Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 5 Players to Watch vs. Clemson
Oct 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Clinton Lynch (49) runs for a first down as he is stopped by North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Jeff Schoettmer (10) in the first quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ season is on the brink going into this week’s matchup against Clemson, having lost three consecutive games and having fallen to 0-2 in the ACC.
The No. 6 Tigers are the biggest test yet for the floundering Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and will present an incredible challenge on the road. With the prospect of falling to 0-3 in the ACC, and their hopes of repeating as ACC Coastal Champions becoming more slim every day, Head Coach Paul Johnson and company must come out with an inspired record against their conference rivals on Saturday.
-= Related: Georgia Tech: 5 Things Learned vs. UNC =-
Over the course of the past three games, the Jackets have shown that they have glaring issues on both sides of the ball. The offensive line has been porous, allowing no protection for quarterback Justin Thomas and almost no blocking for Tech’s stable of A-backs and B-backs.
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Because the offense has not been able to gain any traction, Justin Thomas has been forced to pass on 3rd and long situations — which is never good for a triple option team. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets did look better on offense in the first half in last week’s contest against the North Carolina Tar Heels, getting out to a 21-0 lead. That did not last long.
The Georgia Tech defense wasted a three touchdown lead to the Tar Heels, allowing QB Marquise Williams and RB Elijah Hood to run amok. The Jackets lost 38-31: a disappointing and indicting performance by Paul Johnson’s team.
In order for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to get a victory in Death Valley this weekend, Paul Johnson has to alter his gameplan. Teams are prepared for the triple option attack, and Johnson must prepare accordingly; throwing wrinkles into his schemes to throw the Tigers off.
With that in mind, here are 5 players to watch in Saturday’s important matchup against the Clemson Tigers.
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