2008 Georgia Tech Football
July 28, 2008
Paul Johnson enters his first season at Georgia Tech will little expectations to speak of. Although the Yellow Jackets made it to the Humanitarian Bowl last season in a loss to Fresno State, Georgia Tech can’t be expected to get seven wins again this year. They return just eight starters, four on offense and four on defense. Let’s see how the team at Info Plays feels about their chances with our 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football predictions below.
Offense:
Paul Johnson brings his triple-option offense over from Navy for one of the most dramatic changes in the country. He calls it a version of the spread. Johnson’s offenses at Navy led the nation in rushing for the past three seasons. Like the passing spread offense, it’s all about mismatches. The leading QB contenders for the spring were Josh Nesbitt and Calvin Booker. Nesbitt had 53 rushes for 339 yards last season so those numbers show he can fit the system.
The main running back, known as the B-Back in this offense, will go to either Jonathan Dwyer, Lucas Cox or Quincy Kelly. The two slot backs are called A-Backs. Jamaal Evans and Roddy Jones are leading the way at these positions after the spring. Greg Smith should be a factor there as well, a returning starter who broke his collarbone in the spring but should be ready for the regular season. These guys will be taking option pitches and have to be capable of making big plays. The offensive line returns four players with at least part-time starting experience. That’s the best sign for this team going forward with as much Tech will be relying on their running game.
Defense:
Georgia Tech is also solid on defense in the trenches. Their defensive line should rank among the ACC’s best along with Clemson. Vance Walker and Darryl Richard return at tackle. These two studs combined for 25.5 tackles for loss last season. Senior end Michael Johnson is an athletic playmaker who had four sacks, three forced fumbles and two blocked kicks in part-time duty last year. His 6-7 frame makes Johnson rangy and a tough block for opposing tackles. Derrick Morgan teams with Johnson at the other end position to provide a solid pass rush.
The rest of the defense is far from set. Shane Bowen is a returning starter at linebacker, and he’ll be flanked by unproven sophomores Anthony Barnes and Brad Jefferson, most likely. There is only one starter back in the secondary in cornerback JahI Word-Daniels. Promising young players include sophomores Dominique Reese, Mario Butler and Morgan Butler. Redshirt freshman Jerrard Tarrant will get his shot at cornerback as well.
Georgia Tech Predictions at Info Plays: 4th in the ACC Coastal Division
Johnson is a proven winner with great success at Georgia Southern and Navy. He’s convinced his triple-option offense will work at the BCS conference level. Georgia Tech’s lack of experience with only eight returning starters will likely yield some growing pains this season. But the Yellow Jackets are solid on the offensive and defensive lines in a run-heavy ACC conference. The real question is whether or not the Jackets can extend their bowl streak to 12 years? We don’t think so.
ACC Wins Expected in ‘08: DUKE, VIRGINIA
Potential Scares/Losses: at Boston College, at Virginia Tech, at Clemson, FLORIDA STATE, at North Carolina, MIAMI