Nick Petrus
Sunday, Oct 11th 2015 at 12:04am EDT
CLEMSON, SC – In a game featuring two teams going the opposite direction this season, Saturday’s showdown in Death Valley was no different. The Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0) avoided any sign of a letdown coming off last weekend’s emotional high and handed Georgia Tech (2-4, 0-3) its worst loss yet of the season by a final score of 43-24.
Saturday’s tilt was another in a string of games where the Jackets broke down in all three phases of the game. It began on Clemson’s first possession where the Jackets had an opportunity for a 3-and-out, only to allow Clemson to convert its longest offensive play of the year as Wayne Gallman broke through the line untouched for a 66-yard touchdown run.
One mistake, no big deal, however the issues continued early and often. On the Jackets’ first offensive possession an ill-directed 3rd down pass from quarterback Justin Thomas was intercepted on their own 36-yard line. The offense struggled from there on out and was limited to their lowest rushing yardage total (71) of the Paul Johnson era.
The trifecta of the three phase breakdown culminated on special teams where, prior to the 1st quarter clock striking zero, an errant snap over punter Ryan Rodwell’s head resulted in a blocked punt and safety.
“We really don’t have anywhere we can rely on,” said Head Coach Paul Johnson after the game. “You can’t count on the offense for sure, can’t count on the defense, [nor] special teams either. It’s really frustrating.”
When all was said and done, the Jackets trailed 19-3 at the end of the 1st quarter. There was little reprieve to follow as Clemson retained a vice grip on momentum, clean play, and ultimately the scoreboard.
“We looked like a very poorly coached team, and it starts with me,” Johnson said.
For a team that appears to be lacking confidence, a bye week might be ideal. There are three more weeks and three more games before the Jackets will get their first.
So how do the Jackets mentally adjust? Said senior captain Adam Gotsis, “We want effort. But there’s got to be a point where you’re doing your job with effort and you’re not just running around like a headless chicken trying to make a play… Guys need to do their assignment, handle [their] job, and make a play when it’s there.”
Perhaps all it takes is a play to snap the Jackets’ current skid. Perhaps simply limiting errors will accomplish the same. Either way, coaches and players alike agree there’s room to improve, and next Saturday’s game versus Pittsburgh is their next opportunity to prove they're doing just that.
