Tech defense has ‘hands full’ with UGA receivers

Coordinator Dave Wommack doesn’t typically downplay expectations for his ACC-best defense.

“I don’t say this much, but we’ve got our hands full,” he said.

Georgia Tech has faced elite wide receivers this season. But never two on one team, and never with an accurate, strong-armed quarterback like Georgia’s Matthew Stafford throwing them the ball.

Tech could start two true freshmen in the secondary because injuries: Rashaad Reid at cornerback for Jahi Word-Daniels, and Cooper Taylor at free safety for Dominique Reese. Reid and Taylor are almost veterans by this point, but there’s little depth behind them.

“It is what it is,” Wommack said. “The kids just have to buckle up, go a little harder and find a way to get it done.”

Bulldogs wideouts A.J. Green (887 receiving yards, 7 TDs) and Mohamed Massaquoi (730 yards, 5 TDs) form the most dangerous duo Tech has seen. Against ACC teams, the Jackets were able to slide their coverage to a No. 1 receiver.

“They have two of ‘em, so that creates problems,” Wommack said.

The Jackets have given up some big passing days, including 270 yards in the loss to Virginia, but have snagged 17 interceptions, 12 more than last season. The secondary has capitalized on the pressure brought by Tech’s front four.

Safety Morgan Burnett is tied for second in the nation with six interceptions and Reid got his third pick last week. Mario Butler is a solid, physical corner. Taylor made the season’s defining play so far: the forced goal-line fumble to beat Florida State.

When Tech needs an extra defensive back, speedy linebacker Tony Clark drops into coverage.

“Whoever’s been hurt, the next person has just stepped in and filled the void, and we haven’t lost too much,” Butler said. “We’re losing depth, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Reid replaced Word-Daniels, a senior who hasn’t played since pulling a hamstring Oct. 18 at Clemson. Word-Daniels likely won’t play Saturday, but Reese (knee) likely will.

The Jackets give up 16.7 points per game. Georgia is averaging 31.2.

Reid called Georgia’s offense complete.

“And individually the wide receivers are really good,” he said. “Usually big receivers aren’t as fast, but they’ve got a combination of big receivers who are fast. We’ve got to adjust to that.”