Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Atlantic Coast Conference
Under Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech has been an interesting study in the ACC. Coming from Navy, he was determined to implement his triple-option offense and he has done so with great success. In his second season in 2009, he led the Yellow Jackets to an ACC championship on their way to facing Iowa in the Orange Bowl. Since then they have not found the same kind of success. They are piling up wins, but they lose in big spots. The 2011 campaign has been no different. Early in the season, they had a good shot to compete for the title. After some tough losses they found themselves out of the race. This is still one of the strongest running teams in the country. They are fun to watch.
2011 Record: 8-4, 5-3
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Independence vs. Air Force (W 14-7)
Big Wins: 9/24 North Carolina (35-28), 10/29 Clemson (31-17)
Bad Losses: 10/15 Virginia (21-24), 10/22 Miami (7-24)
Coach: Paul Johnson (34-18 at Georgia Tech, 141-57 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-3 at Georgia Tech, 2-5 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Paul Johnson
Defensive Coordinator: Al Groh
Strengths:
The obvious strength of this Georgia Tech team is their rushing attack. Since Paul Johnson has taken over, they have ranked very high in rushing offense every year. This year, Georgia Tech is averaging 316.8 yards per game, good for 1st in the ACC and second in the nation (only Army averages more yards on the ground). Though they are primarily one dimensional, their rush offense provides plenty of scoring opportunities and the ability to get chunks of yards. They rank top-20 in total offense and scoring offense in the FBS and are first in the ACC in both categories. Since they rely on their quarterback as part of that rush option, they do not allow a lot of sacks. Escapability has a lot to do with it, but the offensive line is only allowing about one sack per game. A surprise with this team has been their pass defense. The secondary allows only 198 yards per game which is first in the conference.
Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness of this Georgia Tech offense is clearly the passing offense. In actuality, the Yellow Jackets have great efficiency in the passing game. The reason for that is because they don’t throw very often at all. Primary quarterback Tevin Washington has only completed 63 passes on the season, but those passes have gone for 1,515 yards and ten touchdowns. However, in terms of yardage gained per game, Georgia Tech has the eighth worst total in the nation. That style of play has come back to bite them in games where they have had to play from behind. Without a true quick strike offense, this team is built on the ability to get ahead and kill the clock. When they fall behind they have a tough time trying to catch up. Also, the Yellow Jackets special teams are not the greatest. For all of their running ability, Tech has a problem returning kicks. They rank last in the conference in that area. Generally, they can find their way out of a jam by big rushing plays. A better return game might set them up for some better balance.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Tevin Washington, QB, 890 yards
Passing: Tevin Washington, QB, 1,515 yards
Receiving: Stephen Hill, WR, 785 yards
Tackles: Julian Burnett, LB, 113
Sacks: Jeremiah Attaochu, LB, 6.0
Interceptions: Isaiah Johnson, S, 3; Rod Sweeting, CB, 3; Jemea Thomas, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 316.83 (3rd in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 142.75 (112, 12)
Total Offense: 459.58 (19, 1)
Scoring Offense: 34.92 (21, 2)
Rushing Defense: 162.92 (71, 8)
Pass Defense: 198.25 (32, 4)
Total Defense: 361.17 (44, 7)
Scoring Defense: 25.75 (58, 8)
Turnover Margin: .17 (44, 5)
Sacks: 1.67 (79, 8)
Sacks Allowed: 1.08 (19, 1)
