Andrew Thacker coaches a Georgia Tech defense that has allowed 17.3 points in its past three games. His defense will face a tough test Saturday against a Pittsburgh offense that is averaging 52.5 points per game and ranks sixth in total offense.
“I think everything is built for offenses to have success these days,” said Thacker, Tech’s defensive coordinator.
The defense forced three fumbles and sacked North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell eight times in the Yellow Jackets’ 45-22 win Saturday night.
The Jackets will seek an encore performance Saturday. Thacker looks to limit the Panthers’ possessions and create opportunities for his defense.
“We look into points per possession,” Thacker said when asked about the defensive mind-set he has going into games. “The average is to be around two points per offensive possession. We’re around 1.5, 1.3.”
Turnovers are something that Thacker believes the defense can continue to create as the season goes on.
“I’m so proud of the way that we’re winning on turnover margins,” said Thacker of his defense’s play in the past three games. “The things we are trying to do is be disruptive and get them off-schedule early on downs. We were able to collect those sacks that we got because they were off-schedule.”
However the Jackets defense does it, Thacker is satisfied as long as it results in a win.
“At the end of the day, we are 2-1 in our last three games, and that’s the ultimate metric we’re worried about.”
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