Tech defense works on limiting big plays

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Missed tackles and missed assignments are the reasons why Georgia Tech's defense has been allowing big plays this season, according to coach Paul Johnson.

Through nine games, with as many as five to play, the No. 10 Yellow Jackets have allowed 41 plays of at least 20 yards. Last season, the team gave up 43 in 13 games.

Johnson said the solution isn't just to tackle better, though he says that's a start, or to stop letting teams throw the ball over their heads. It's intertwined, from the play of the line on down. A complete effort is needed.

Through the beginning and the middle of the season, some of Tech's issues could be pinned on missed assignments, such as the 66-yard touchdown run by Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams, when two players were in the wrong spot. Against Vanderbilt, a missed tackle led to a 47-yard reception by Zac Stacy.

The misses have contributed to the Jackets allowing 360 yards and 24.7 points per game.

"Our goal is not to have any big plays against us," defensive coordinator Dave Wommack said. "When we start doing that, we’ll give up a lot less yards and a lot less points."

Wake Forest, whom Tech will host at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, tracks plays of 35 yards or more. Their offense has 11 such plays this season, as well as three kick returns and one interception return.

Secondary changes

Safety Morgan Burnett said he's not worried if half the secondary has new starters for Saturday's game.

Mario Edwards will replace Dominique Reese at safety, and Rashaad Reid could start at cornerback for Jerrard Tarrant. Reese (shoulder) and Tarrant (back) sat out most of the second half against Vanderbilt when their injuries flared up. Tarrant was back at practice Wednesday, and Wommack said he appeared better, but defensive backs coach Charles Kelly will decide who starts.

"Everything will be the same because everyone knows their assignments, knows their checks, and knows where they are supposed to be on different plays," Burnett said.

Skinner update

Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe said that quarterback Riley Skinner was able to do some light throwing Tuesday. He said he hoped that Skinner would be allowed to do a bit more each day as the doctors try to decide if Skinner can be cleared to play Saturday.

Skinner, the school's winningest quarterback, sustained a mild concussion in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 28-27 loss to Miami. If Skinner can't play, fifth-year senior Ryan McManus will start. Grobe said Skinner's experience means he wouldn't have to have a lot of practice to be ready to go Saturday. However, if he isn't cleared to play that knowledge will be missed.

"It certainly hurts us if he can't go," Grobe said of Skinner. "He's got so much experience. Ryan does so many good things for us but just doesn't have the game experience."

Etc.

*Two new goal posts were installed at Bobby Dodd Stadium this week. Both have been engineered to be collapsible. Tech officials were taught how to build them by, ironically, Virginia Tech. It was after a win over the No. 4 Hokies that thes goal post in the North end zone was torn down and marched down the street the night of Oct. 17.

*With the exception of tackle Austin Barrick, all of the offensive linemen practiced Wednesday. Johnson said Barrick is still questionable for Saturday.