The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets opened the 2018 campaign with an absolute thrashing of the Alcorn State Braves by the score of 41-0. Tech from a defensive standpoint absolutely obliterated any offensive effort of Alcorn, holding them to just 146 yards of total offense and 51 plays. The Braves only crossed midfield twice in the entire contest. Georgia Tech broke in a new defensive scheme with new Defensive Coordinator Nate Woody, and so far, so good. Tech defenders seemed to live in the Alcorn backfield, having several tackles for loss within the from the front seven.
Offensively, it was a different story. Tech did have 543 total yards, 439 of them rushing, but the offense was not crisp, missing key blocks, and not meshing well together running their brand of option. Quarterback Taquon Marshall also did not do well in the passing game, particularly missing open receivers. Head Coach Paul Johnson said after the game, “We’ve got to make a ton of progress from week 1 to week 2 as the competition will continue to rachet up as we continue to play.” Johnson went on to say, “For as many guys as we had returning on offense, that was a pretty sloppy performance.”
Georgia Tech will be travelling to Tampa to take on the South Florida Bulls. South Florida, coached by Charlie Strong, won their opening game against Elon University by the score of 34-14. Quarterback Blake Barnett, the former signal caller at Alabama and Arizona State, has decided to play his last year of eligibility at South Florida. He has an impressive game leading the offense to 515 yards, while himself going 24 of 34 with 305 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions.
Strong, during his tenure as defensive coordinator and head coach has planned against triple options schemes. This ball game will come down to a few factors such as to whether this new defense of Tech’s is real. This offense will be more pro-style and may give opportunities for pressures, sacks, and turnovers. However, if the Georgia Tech offense cannot get in sync and offer at least the threat of a passing attack, it will be a long day for the Yellow Jackets. The game will start at Noon from Raymond James Stadium.
