Tech's defense steadily improving

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For all the criticism it received early in the season, Georgia Tech's defense appears to be rounding into form at the right time.

The No. 7 Yellow Jackets (10-1) are allowing an average of 20 points during the past five games, compared to 26.5 during the first six.

One of the reasons has bee run defense, particularly against pro-style offenses, similar to the kind Georgia will be running Saturday night' at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Tech is allowing an average of 27.6 yards per game in the past three games against teams (Duke. Wake Forest and Virginia) that featured a traditional rushing attack.

"We geared in on trying to stop something," coach Paul Johnson said.

There are three reasons Tech has improved, according to Johnson:

• The players know their assignments, which coincides with the decision before the Oct. 17 Virginia Tech game to simplify the schemes.

• They've got better fits with players in their natural positions. During the first half of the season, some players were moved to odd spots because of injuries.

• Tech's defensive line is playing better after finding a combination of players that mesh well.

During the season's first six games, opponents were rushing for 141 yards on average. During the past five, that stat dropped to 95.5.

Tech still has struggled with non-traditional rushing schemes. Virginia Tech, with running quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and Vanderbilt, with its option, combined to roll up almost 400 rushing yards, averaging 6.5 yards a carry.

However, Johnson said he's been pleased with his defense's progress.

"I think we've gotten better as the year's progressed," he said. "Of course we've had to. There was nowhere to go but up."

Tech has allowed just one touchdown in the second half over the past four games.

"It's getting everybody involved and everybody wrapping up making tackles," middle linebacker Brad Jefferson said. "It was big-time putting that [simplified scheme] in. Now we can just relax and play."

In Georgia, Tech faces a healthy ground game. The Bulldogs average 140.5 rushing yards per game. Freshman Washaun Ealey leads the team with 65.1 yards per game. During the past two games, the Bulldogs are averaging 182 yards per game.

Johnson said Georgia's running game has improved as its offensive line has come together. The team has used the same group of starters during the past two games. Coincidentally, it's the same five that started against Tech last season.

Good practice

Johnson was pleased with his team's effort during Monday's practice. The players were off Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 11 consecutive weeks of games.

"We had a pep in the step," Johnson said. "I think the time off did us some good."

Smith committed to Tech job

Recruiting coordinator Giff Smith has been mentioned as one of Georgia Southern's candidates to become its next head coach. The Eagles fired Chris Hatcher on Saturday.

Smith played and coached at Southern.

"I got a job," Smith said. "I think I've got a terrific job. There's a lot of work left in this season."