Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 4 Things Learned vs. UNC
Oct 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Mikell Lands-Davis (37) catches a touchdown pass against North Carolina Tar Heels safety Donnie Miles (15) in the third quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. North Carolina won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
JUSTIN THOMAS IS NOT HIMSELF
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offense was a juggernaut in 2014 and through the first two games of the season against Alcorn State in Tulane. Ever since the Notre Dame game 2+ weeks ago, the Jackets ability to dominate the line of scrimmage has diminished, inhibiting their ability to effectively run their offense.
The defenses of North Carolina, Duke and Notre Dame had solid gameplans to limit the Jackets rushing attack, eliminating the dive play and mitigating Tech’s ability to get out on the edge. QB Justin Thomas has looked uncomfortable for the past three weeks, and has struggled. On Saturday, Thomas finished with 168 through the air with 1 TD and 1 INT. He is still somewhat effective running the ball, but without help from his offensive line or running back corps, the Jackets captain can’t do everything by himself.
Because of the Jackets inability to get the running game going, they have been forced to pass the ball more — not good on an offense predicated on running the ball. Against UNC, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offense looked better than it did against Duke, but still did not dominate the game.
Next: What has Happened to the Running Game?