Scouting Report: Georgia Tech Preview and Defending the Death by 1000 Cuts Offense

Ah it’s everyone’s favorite game week of the year where we throw out the normal offensive and defensive philosophy, turn back to our middle school and high school playing days and prepare for the death by thousand cuts game aka Georgia Tech. Since Paul Johnson’s arrival in Atlanta back in 2008 Carolina’s had the unfortunate privilege facing this triple option offense each year. Paul Johnson has exhibited success against Carolina’s defense going 5-1, including winning the last 5 (2-0 against Larry Fedora). For all practical purposes, the last 3 UNC football coaches haven’t figured out to defend this option. That’s a rather unnerving stat given the way  this year’s Georgia Tech  offense has looked.

However, let’s first look at GiT’s (Georgia Institute of Technology) defense, which has had 3 overhauls in the last half decade.

Georgia Tech now runs a base 4-3 that leans 4-2-5. They have implemented a permanent nickel back designed so this defense possesses more speed to keep up with the offenses the ACC throws at them year in and year out. TCU and Virginia Tech are two teams that have been successful at implementing this style of defense (Carolina still has much more to improve on). With the right personnel, this defense will be the most successful at stopping the every spreading offense. In 2014, GiT doesn’t have the right personnel to compete at the highest level as they’re currently 64^th in points allowed (25/game) and 62^nd in total defense.

GiTs Starting D Line

DE  Kyle Travis (#43), DT Adam Gotsis (#96), NT Shawn Green (#97), DE Keshun Freeman (#42)

Georgia Tech features an undersized defensive line that’s still reeling from the losses from last year (Gotsis is the only returning starter). Even half way through the season this starting line isn’t much of a pass rushing threat having only tallied 5 sacks total between the defensive line two deep. Roderick Rook-Chungong (#41) and Tyler Stargel (#99) are your key reserves.

GiTs Starting Linebackers

LB Quayshawn Nealy(#54), LB PJ Davis (#40)

The starting two linebackers are both the leading tacklers by a sizeable distance. The defensive line’s job in the run game has been to clamp down on offensive linemen from making it to the second level, so these backers can roam free and rack up tackles. When this defense is fresh, that’s exactly what Nealy and Davis, as well as the two main backups Tremayne McNair(#46) and Tyler Marcordes (#35) do.

GiTs Starting Secondary (Nickel Package is what we’ll mostly see Saturday)

CB DJ White (#28), CB Chris Milton (#6), Nickel Demond Smith (#12), SS Isaiah Johnson (#1), FS Jamal Golden (#4)

I’ll be looking for Fedora and Company to implement their speed towards getting lined up…,  but… to modify the attack by milking the clock a bit before the snap.

The secondary is without a doubt the biggest strength of this defense. Despite getting little help from the pass rush, this secondary’s averages over an interception per game. Isaiah Johnson is an absolute missile from the Strong Safety position and makes plays all over the field.

With the starting eleven on GiT’s defense presented, it will be imperative that Carolina establish a run game in this one. Carolina must keep the Jackets O on the sideline as long as they can, making sure their defense stays fresh. Time of Possession has been an issue this year, and is for teams that run hurry up in general. I’ll be looking for Fedora and Company to implement their speed towards getting lined up to prevent substitutions, but hopefully will allow Quise to modify the attack by milking the clock a bit before the snap.

GT’s O Starting 11

The Backfield

Every year the “Death by 1000 Cuts Offense” rides or dies by the backfield. 2014 is no different

QB 1 Justin Thomas (#5) = The triple option flows through this guy as he’s the most important piece towards making this diesel locomotive of an offense click

Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) fakes a pitch against the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

AB Charles Perkins (#21) = A Back in this offense is a slot back/wing t back, they’re generally in motion and are the pitch men to pitch it wide or shovel inside. A Backs are the biggest threats for racking up chunks of yardage.

AB Tony Zenon (#9)

BB Zach Laskey (#37) = BB back in this offense generally lines up directly behind the under center qb, his main duty is to pound the rock with the FB dive.

GiT’s 2014 backfield has been a very productive crew. Between Thomas, who may be the best QB option at GiT since Josh Nesbitt, and the other main three in the backfield, this group of 4 has racked up close to 1800 yards on the ground and only had a loss of 61 yards. 61 yards loss is simply unheard in football and stresses how important it becomes for Carolina to force 2^nd and long and 3^rd and long situations. The scoring is spread out between this group of as well with everyone except Perkins rushing for 3 touchdowns each. Look for GiT to bring in Tim Byerly (#18), QB 2,  in short yardage and

Now on to the men that help carve the holes in the defense for that group of backs to exploit: GiT’s offensive line

LT Eason Formayan (#79), LG Trey Braun (#78), C Freddie Burden (#58), RG Shaquille Mason (#70), RT Chris Griffin (#72)

It’s chop block o’clock for this bunch. Once again, Paul Johnson uses this undersized bunch (with the exception of Mason size wise) to open up crevices and carve defenses with cutblocks, pulls and double teams. Watching this offensive line work is like watching a game from the 1950s. They play till the whistle echoes, they take what some would call cheap shots, and they run back to the huddle without jawing. This line is a nightmare for any front seven year in and year out.

GiT WRs

Often overlooked and underappreciated Georgia Tech seems to have a stud pair of recievers that are big, strong, fast and have unlimited big play potential. This year is no different. When QB Justin Thomas finds time, he’s able to get this ball to these main two:

WR DeAndre Smelter (#15), WR Michael Summers (#84)

I should also mention how talented these two are not only as pass catchers but also as run blockers. They help solidify the edge which results in those chunks of yards we’ll see from the A backs.

Here’s where I’m going with breaking down each position group on O. There are 3 options the vaunted triple option shows:

1. FB Dive (QB Hands off) FB barrels forward in the A gaps, attacking the interior of the defense. Zach laskey has made a living off this play.
2. In the Defensive End crashes inside, the QB pulls the handoff and sprints towards his option read (typically an opposing LB or safety)
3. If the option read makes his move towards the QB, the Qb will pitch this to the A back generally running wider by 3 yards alongside the QB. If the option read guards the wing player, the qb will tuck and head up field.

Let it be known that a team that runs this option to perfection cannot theoretically be stopped. The 4 ways you can combat this theory as as follows

1. Take away the dive by having your interior linemen clod the A gaps. This forces the QB to pull from the FB
2. Make the QB beat you. The QB in the system has the least likelihood of making the big play, faces the most fatigue during the game, and the QB will begin to anticipate rather than go through his reads. Anticipation rather than reaction leads to mistakes
3. Force Turnovers. Defensive Lineman need to live in the backfield and cause disruption.
4. Offense must pile it on early, get and keep a two score lead. Forcing GiT to throw the ball while down causes them to become one sided and predictable.

To stress the importance of this game not only from a season standpoint, but also a program standpoint we have to remember North Carolina has not beat Georgia Tech since Paul Johnson’s first year at the helm in 2008. Nothing could change the momentum and the feel around the program than what would be Carolina’s biggest win since 2010. Carolina’s offense must sustain long drive but more importantly finish drives (scoring 6 not 3). This defense needs to force Justin Thomas to make the plays to win.

Nothing could change the momentum and the feel around the program than what would be Carolina’s biggest win since 2010.

Zero in on his options on the perimeter and in the backfield, and force him to be spectacular. Carolina has the tools and the talent to win, now it’s time to go out, protect our house and send shockwaves across the Coastal Division tomorrow night.