Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Wednesday that he was glad for the open date before playing Georgia Tech so the Tigers would have more time to prepare for the Yellow Jackets’ spread-option offense.
In advance of the matchup Thursday against No. 7 Clemson, Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof feels likewise. Besides giving players extra healing time, the additional time will give the Jackets more preparation for Clemson’s offense, which ranks No. 13 in the country in total offense (507.0 yards per game) and No. 17 in scoring offense (39.8 points per game).
Roof’s summary: “Explosive players at every position, very solid offensive line and a scheme that really stretches you defensively.”
Quarterback Tajh Boyd is No. 14 in the country in passing efficiency, with 20 touchdowns against six interceptions.
“He’s got good vision. He has an easy time, it seems, finding his targets,” defensive backs coach Joe Speed said.
Linebacker Quayshawn Nealy said the defense will run a simplified scheme to cope with Clemson’s high-tempo offense.
“We just don’t need many things on our mind when we’re out there,” he said. “So there probably won’t be as many adjustments. ‘Just line up and play’ type thing.”
Young better: Speed praised cornerback Louis Young for his play against Pitt on Saturday. Young struggled against Virginia and in previous games this season. Speed said Young was better with his fundamentals.
“Just had to go back and remember to use ’em,” Speed said. “It’s not magic or rocket science since he came out with a better focus and was able to put a better product on the field last week.”
Young said he made a point to be more physical against Pitt’s receivers, which he feels gives him an advantage.
“Sometimes you get away from (fundamentals) late in the season, but it’s good that I was able and fortunate enough to put those together for that game,” Young said.
On Beasley: Offensive line coach Mike Sewak often has a unique perspective, and his take on Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley is no different. Sewak said it's "always been a bad case" when a defensive lineman has a single-digit jersey number, as Beasley does, as it usually means he played a skill position in high school and was moved to the line in college, where his quickness and athletic ability stand out.
Indeed, Beasley, from Adairsville, played running back and linebacker in high school. Undersized for his position at 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Beasley is tied for fourth in the country with 1.1 sacks per game.
“Beasley’s awful fast, very quick off the edge,” Sewak said. “A lot like (Tech defensive end) Jeremiah (Attaochu). Very quick first three steps, very long, can get around the edge.”
Practice report: Tech practiced in full pads Thursday, the second practice in advance of the game with the Tigers. Speed deemed it "not too bad."
Offensive tackle Morgan Bailey, wide receivers Darren Waller and Corey Dennis and outside linebacker Brandon Watts were among players held out with injuries.
Etc.: Offensive lineman Will Jackson was named to the academic All-District 4 team, which earns him a spot on the ballot for academic All-American. District 4 covers Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Alabama. Jackson, a three-time academic All-ACC choice, is Tech's first academic all-district selection since Darryl Richard in 2007. … The Chick-fil-A Bowl has kept the Jackets on its ACC short list, along with Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech.
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