2014-15 Football Previews – (ACC) – Yellow Jackets
The natives are getting a little restless in Atlanta. Georgia Tech has used its schematic advantage to have some success since Paul Johnson took over but it seems like they are not competing very well with the upper echelon teams in the league now that the offense is more familiar.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Head Coach: Paul Johnson
2013 Record: 7-6
Gambling Odds to win National Championship: 500/1
Gambling Odds to win (ACC): 30/1
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He is a popular target for hot seat lists and it is hard to believe he can survive another disappointing season. With a new QB at the helm there is not a lot of optimism for improvement right now.
Strengths:
Even though the Tech may be in a bind Johnson is going to remain true to his routes. This will again be one of the top running teams in the nation and for their foes who are not ready for them they will trample all over them.
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The offensive philosophy is still effective even as teams seems to be becoming more pass happy every season.
The defense have up just 23ppg last season and has returnees at all levels. The leader this season should be Quayshawn Nealy who was second in tackles last season and tied for the lead in interceptions. Their alignment plays only two backers and they need Nealy, a senior, to be even more productive this season.
DT Adam Gotsis had a very strong sophomore season even though he was overshadowed by Jeremy Attaochu who is now in the NFL. Gotsis is a one man wrecking crew in the middle of that defensive line and they need him to be even more productive this season. He is the leading sacker returning.
Weaknesses:
The GT offense is all about precision. Instead of Vad Lee returning for another season (he transferred) it will be Justin Thomas. Thomas is similar in stature and can definitely perform in the running role but he has not shown a ton throwing the ball in his limited time.
Running is critical but the threat has to be there.
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The defense has to be more consistent this season. Their numbers were nice last year but when you look closely you see a handful of blowouts against inferior competition when they gave up just 7 points combined.
They also had 4 games in which they gave up 30 or more points and lost every one.
RB Travis Custis was supposed to jump in and produce as a rare top prospect drawn to the GT offensive system. However, he never qualified academically and thus will be playing at a junior college this season. The expected starting backs are all seniors and we know what they can do.
He would have been a strong addition.
Gambling Prediction: 7-5
2014 Georgia Tech Schedule:
- Aug 30 – Wofford
- Sep 6 -@Tulane
- Sep 13 – Georgia Southern
- Sep 20 – @Virginia Tech
- Oct 4 – Miami
- Oct 11 – Duke
- Oct 28 – @North Carolina
- Oct 25 – @Pittsburgh
- Nov 1 – Virginia
- Nov 8 – @NC State
- Nov 15 – Clemson
- Nov 29 – @Georgia
I have to admit I am always too high on GT because I think their running scheme offers more of a tactical advantage than it really does. I think this year I am being pretty fair about their chances against a mediocre schedule.
They have a chance to get off to a fast start and might be a solid play against Virginia Tech on the road.
Also, they will be dangerous in those final two against Clemson and Georgia, especially if those teams are looking ahead at all.
