Georgia Tech offensive line doesn't quite live up to expectations
ATLANTA -- Before the season began, the offensive line was perceived to be a stronghold for this year's Georgia Tech football team. It didn't take long to realize that wasn't going to be case.
Even when the Yellow Jackets amassed large hunks of yardage in the first two games of the season, head coach Paul Johnson warned about trouble spots on the offensive line. Many observers thought that the coach was being overly cautious, but his concerns turned out to be spot-on. The offensive line has definitely underachieved.
"I knew we had issues up there after the first two games," Johnson said. "We didn't have guys cut off, and we weren't sealing guys and doing the things we needed to do. I knew as the competition got better it would create problems, and it has. Having said that, that's only one of the problems, it's not the only problem."
The offense, which rushed for 342.1 yards per game last year, still ranks seventh in the nation. But the average per game has dropped to 261.8 yards.
Last year's offensive line benefited from having two experienced and productive B-backs and a handful of seniors at A-back, as well as two wide receivers who are on NFL rosters. The line also suffered from the graduation of its best player, guard Shaq Mason, who is now starting for the New England Patriots.
"Everybody kind of anointed that group at the end of the year," Johnson said.
The line changed significantly and now has two freshmen as starters: Trey Klock, who took over at left tackle when Bryan Chamberlain was shaken up, and Will Bryan, who starts at right tackle. The guards remain Trey Braun and Errin Joe, and center Freddie Burden maintained his position.
JOHNSON OPTIMISTIC THOMAS WILL PLAY
While no firm decision has been made, Johnson said Tuesday that he was optimistic that quarterback Justin Thomas will be able to play Saturday.
Thomas was injured in the first quarter of the Miami game.
Thomas has rushed for 491 yards and six touchdowns and thrown for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
FAREWELL FOR 22 SENIORS
A group of 22 seniors will be honored before Saturday's game. Since there is no bowl game, this will be their final chance to play. Johnson said most of the seniors will graduate in May.
Among the group will be safety Jamal Golden, who will tie a school record with his 54th career game. Defensive back Rod Sweeting (2009-12), defensive tackle T.J. Barnes (2009-12) and wide receiver Corey Dennis (2011-14) share the record.
CONSIDER THE SOURCE
Johnson was told by a caller to his Monday night radio show that a local Atlanta sports talk radio station had said there was no chance Georgia Tech could beat Georgia this week.
Johnson chuckled and said, "That's the same (station) that said (Georgia defensive coordinator) Jeremy Pruitt wasn't going to coaching at the Kentucky game. I looked, and he's still there. They're still playing defense."
JOHNSON HOSTS THANKSGIVING
Once again, Johnson opened his home on Thanksgiving for players whose families live too far away. The assistant coaches also did the same for their players. Johnson said most players were to go home with a teammate whose family lives nearby.
"Once in a while, you'll have a few come to the house, but not often," Johnson said.
This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Georgia Tech offensive line doesn't quite live up to expectations ."