2009 College Football Predictions: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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2009 College Football Predictions

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Paul Johnson 2nd year (9-4 at Georgia Tech, 116-43 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Paul Johnson (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Wommack (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 19 (9 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Josh Nesbitt)

Offense: Paul Johnson worked his magic in his first year with the triple option. Now he’s building a foundation, but would like to improve a passing offense that ranked 116th out of 119 teams in passing. Junior QB Josh Nesbitt (6-1, 215) returns after running 693 yards, but completed just 43.9 percent of his passes with only two TDs. Junior RB Jonathan Dwyer (6-0, 228) is also back after an outstading season, after running for 1,395 yards with 12 TDs. Sophomore Roddy Jones also returns to give them a speedier option. At wide receiver, Demaryrius Thomas (6-3, 229) is the main target and also a strong blocker. The offensive line is the main concern. They lose both tackles, including All-ACC honoree Andrew Gardner to graduation.

Defense: The Yellow Jackets had a sturdy defense last year, but they lose DE Michael Johnson (9 sacks, 17.5 TFLs) and both defensive tackles. They return just one starter on the D-line (Derrick Morgan) and will be hard-pressed to repeat last year’s Top 25 defense. They do return the back seven as all the starting linebackers and secondary return. The top returner is safety Morgan Burnett (7 INTs), a second-team All-American last year who also led the team in tackles. Anthony Barnes, Sedric Griffin and Kyle Jackson return at linebacker.

Outlook: On offense, they’ll go as far as their offensive line takes them. Morgan will get double-teamed this year, so they’ll need somebody on other side to step up. The linebackers will have to carry the defense, but with Johnson at the helm, it’s hard to deny Tech have a chance to win the ACC.

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