LIVE: Jackets seek improvement before ACC

August 30, 2014 Atlanta - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Paul Johnson instructs from sideline in the first half of the Georgia Tech season opener against the Wofford Terriers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, August 30, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM Paul Johnson wants to see improvement today against Georgia Southern. (Hyoub Shin/AJC)

By Jeff Schultz

Sept 13, 2014

Hello. I have nothing else to write at this time about Bruce Levenson, Danny Ferry and the Hawks. Let's say we break this up with some actual sports.

For the third time this season, we ask: Is Georgia Tech ready for the ACC season? The Yellow Jackets play their third non-conference game of the season against Georgia Southern today (noon, Fox Sports South). They're 2-0 after wins over Wofford (38-19) and Tulane (38-21) but it both games struggled in the first half and last week at Tulane fumbled twice in their first three possessions.

This game is different in that Tech might actually need to play good four quarters to win . Georgia Southern just stepped up to FBS this year but nobody in this state needs reminding about the strong history of the program. Tech's Paul Johnson was a head coach there for five seasons, won two Division 1-AA championships and went 62-10.

The Eagles are dangerous and can win this game. They nearly defeated North Carolina State in Raleigh in the season opener, losing 24-23 on a touchdown with 1:37 left. They also ended last season with a stunning 26-20 win over Florida in Gainesville.

Johnson wants to see improvement before next week's ACC opener at Virginia Tech. That means fewer turnovers, better tackling, better pass coverage, some semblance of a pass rush and a more consistent offense. Even with all that, the Jackets might not win in Blacksburg next week. But at least it give Tech fans expectations of some success in the conference this season.

That's all for now. I'll be commenting during the game and responding to questions.

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