By Will Vandervort.
Beating Georgia Tech is simple – don’t get bored.
And though it sounds simple to do, slowing down the Yellow Jackets triple-option offense is anything but simple. The 23rd-ranked Jackets rank second in the country in rushing offense at 335.8 yards per game, 21st in total offense (481.3) and 12th in scoring (38.8).
“They are really playing at a high level,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. “They are doing a great job of executing. They are averaging six yards a carry and 335 yards rushing a game and scoring 38 points a game. It’s a huge challenge for our defense.”
And that challenge is not to get bored. Georgia Tech (8-2, 5-2 ACC) basically runs the same stuff over and over again in Paul Johnson’s offense. It’s the basic principles of the triple option – the dive, the quarterback and the pitch guy.
But if one guy on defense gets bored and plays out of position, and does not stay disciplined, the Jackets will pop one for 80 yards and a touchdown.
“It is kind of a season of its own when you are kind of preparing for Georgia Tech throughout the week,” defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said.
“It comes down to preparation and being disciplined.”
And that discipline starts with Jarrett, Josh Watson, DeShawn Williams, D.J. Reader and Carlos Watkins. They will be asked to take away the dive-play in Johnson’s scheme, which so far this year no one has really done.
Synjyn Days has 503 yards since he came on for Zach Laskey who has missed the last three games with an injury. Laskey, who is expected to return this week, has rushed for 595 yards and two scores before his injury.
“They have really done a great job establishing the dive,” Swinney said.
They have also done a good job throwing the football. Justin Thomas has been throwing the ball well. He has thrown for 1,294 yards and 14 touchdowns to go with only four interceptions. He has also rushed for 781 yards and scored five more touchdowns.
“It all starts with Justin Thomas,” Jarrett said. “He is so good. He runs that offense as well as anyone they have had.”
Last year No. 17 Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) held the Yellow Jackets to 100-yards below their season-rushing average. Jarrett says because of Thomas that will not be as easy this Saturday.
“They did not have him playing quarterback then,” he said. “That’s the difference.”
“They have done an excellent job in the passing game,” Swinney said. “This quarterback has done an excellent job throwing the football. He makes some big, big timely throws for them. I’m very impressed with how they execute.”
And that is why no one on defense can get bored.
“We have to win the battle of the line of scrimmage,” Swinney said. “We have to beat blocks and we have to stay on our feet. That is critical. This is that type of game where nobody better get bored doing their job or they will make big plays.”
And if they do, watch out. The Yellow Jackets have nine plays of 30 yards or more this year.