Georgia Tech wants to go deep at UNC

Georgia Tech defensive end Emmanuel Dieke will be available to play Saturday at North Carolina after missing the first two games with a shoulder injury, although coach Paul Johnson has said there are no guarantees that he will see action.

In each of the past two weeks, Johnson has suggested that the staff has talked about deploying more players on defense, particularly on the line. That may be more important in this weekend’s game because the Tar Heels play more offensive linemen than many teams.

Defensive coordinator Al Groh said he would like to use more players up front, too.

“Sure. We’d like to see the depth develop so there’s not a significant drop off, and we can do that,” he said. “That’s an advantage that [UNC] has. If they stick with what they had last time, they’re going to play two full offensive lines. I don’t know that we’re in a position to do that right now, but yeah, we would like to try to get to that point.”

Some players may see action at end and nose tackle.

Turn the clock forward

Win and players want rest and recovery. Lose, and they want to play again soon.

"Exactly," senior safety Mario Edwards said. "When you lose, it's like you're stuck in a maze; you want to get that taste out of your mouth. This whole week we're itching to get back out there and get a 'W'. Losing doesn't feel good at all, and it affects your whole life, not just football ... class and everything."

Seniors on soap boxes

Given the general malaise that draped itself over the Yellow Jackets last week, some players this week are trying to make sure Tech doesn't show up in another funk. "The seniors are stepping up," said senior co-captain and linebacker Brad Jefferson. "We don't want to go out like that."

Back to basics

Tech works on fundamentals every week, some weeks more than others. After having some notable problems with tackling in their first two games, the Jackets this week have spent time on that. There’s a tendency to think that the most frequent issue is would-be tacklers failing to wrap up ball carriers, and that has happened.

Groh said, however, that Tech is zeroing in on another fix.

“It seems to be, you watch tacklers on all levels, and until the habit is broken so many tacklers lose their leg drive when the [contact] occurs,” he said. “One of the points that we emphasize is to fight to stay on your feet. When the contact is made, runners are taught to keep running for extra yardage. Tacklers need to be of the same mentality.”

Check the linebackers

Johnson said that North Carolina may have the top group of linebackers in the ACC, and the Tar Heels have depth there as well as front-line skill. Senior outside linebacker Quan Sturdivant will draw plenty of attention, and another senior, Bruce Carter, is the other outside starter. Sophomore Kevin Reddick is expected to start in the middle, and Zach Brown figures to play plenty in a reserve role.

Etc.