The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Johnson takes blame for debacle
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson expressed severe disappointment with himself and his coaching staff for the team’s play in the 43-20 loss at Duke on Saturday. Johnson said that there were “a lot” of missed assignments from grading the game video, mistakes players shouldn’t be making 10 games into the season. A player is cited when he fails to carry out an assignment. It is more a mental mistake than physical. “That’s a reflection on me and a reflection on our coaches,” Johnson said Monday after the team’s first practice of the week in preparation for Georgia. “That’s ridiculous.” Tech lost to the Blue Devils after giving up the final 30 points. The Yellow Jackets were outgained 288 yards to 83 in the second half. Given that Tech was playing for a bowl berth, that Duke had lost six games in a row and that the Blue Devils won so convincingly, it was among the most unexpected results of Johnson’s 10 seasons. “It was frustrating to watch,” Johnson said of the game video. Johnson said the team had a decent week of practice. The offense started well, scoring touchdown son three of the first four possessions. The Jackets did not score in the second half the first for time this season. The defense allowed Duke to score on its first seven possessions. Akey segment, Johnson said, was when Duke scored touchdowns to end the first half and start the second, changing the score from 20-13 Tech to a 27-20 Duke lead. “You get a 14-point swing without touching the ball, and then we went three-and-out (on the first drive of the second half ),” he said. “I think we ran six plays in the third quarter. So by the time you get to the third series, you’re down 16.” Johnson said there that were “a lot more ( missed assignments) on defense than offense.” He also said that the number of demerits given for not giving full effort on a play was higher than normal.