Georgia Tech's triple-option offense under first-year head coach Paul Johnson created a buzz in the ACC and beyond last season. Defenses weren't accustomed to seeing that system, and it showed. The Yellow Jackets ranked fourth in the nation in rushing offense, they won nine games and snapped a seven-year skid versus rival Georgia.Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer, a superb talent in any style of offense, believes the Yellow Jackets will be even more comfortable and confident this year. Plus, don't be surprised if Tech looks to take advantage of more passing opportunities, too.
It's always nice to have, well, quadruple options.
"I think it's a very interesting offense, and it's fun, too," Dwyer told FanHouse. "We have the potential to score a lot of points and make a lot of big runs. The passing game will help everyone, too. Everyone can be a key contributor in this offense, and each and every week anyone can have a breakout game."
The games can't begin soon enough for Dwyer, last year's ACC Player of the Year and the conference's leading rusher with 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries. The Yellow Jackets' summer strength and conditioning drills are nearing an end and have gone extremely well, Dwyer said. Dwyer and starting quarterback Josh Nesbitt have also become more vocal with their leadership responsibilities.
"I've been out there doing what I am supposed to be doing, plus trying to motivate and encourage everyone every day we are working out," the junior said.
That's a good thing, too, since the Yellow Jackets won't be able to sneak up on teams this season.
Despite a new coaching staff, new systems on both sides of the ball and holes in the depth chart, Georgia Tech went 9-4 and sparred with Virginia Tech for the ACC Coastal Division title a year ago. LSU ruined the Yellow Jackets' mojo with a 38-3 win the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, but Georgia Tech didn't fret for long.
With 18 returning starters and 61 returning lettermen, both tops in the ACC, and a better feel for Johnson's methods, the Yellow Jackets should be in front of the learning curve.
If Georgia Tech can rebuild its defensive line and get more production from Nesbitt behind center -- the Yellow Jackets led the ACC in total offense but ranked last in pass offense -- analysts say there isn't any reason why Tech can't contend for the conference crown. The Yellow Jackets last won 10 games in 1998.
"Overall, I think we played well last season but offensively we made a lot of mistakes in terms of turnovers, but that was something we eliminated in the spring and carried it over into camp this summer," said Dwyer, the only player in the ACC last year to average more than 100 yards rushing (103.1). He also rushed for 100 yards in nine games to tie the school record.
"As long as we can avoid turnovers and silly mistakes, I think we are capable of doing a lot of big things this season."
Tech must navigate a tricky schedule to accomplish those big things.
September features consecutive ACC games against Clemson, Miami and North Carolina. October is double-miles month with four of five games on the road. The lone home game, Oct. 17 against Virginia Tech, is circled in red. The Hokies have won three league titles over the past five years. The Yellow Jackets also dip into the SEC with non-conference games against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Georgia.
Not to worry. The Yellow Jackets proved last year they could beat opponents with a throwback offense, and this year they seem ready to throw down again, be it old school or new school.
"It's fun for us when we know we are on a roll and nobody can stop us," Dwyer said. "It's all about having that confidence in each other and knowing what we are supposed to do. We have fun and play as hard as we can, this offense...it's indescribable how good we can be."
