Will former Florida State quarterback commit Jeff Sims begin for Georgia Tech in the season opener?
Where can the Seminoles most effectively assault the Yellow Jackets on Saturday?
Is there going to be a push for more FSU-GT games in the future?
To get you prepared for the opener, we caught up with Georgia Tech beat writer Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to get his thoughts on the Yellow Jackets. Ken has actually covered GT athletics for many years now, and he does an excellent task. You can follow him @ksugiuraajc and take a look at his work at AJC.com.
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1. Things initially … whats your feel on Georgia Techs quarterback circumstance? Will we see several QBs get some snaps today?
” From what offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude has stated, he wants to opt for one quarterback. I believe 2 is possible if things get a little choppy for the No. 1 and Patenaude desires him to take a series off, however he has frequently stated that having one specific guy is his preference. (Which I acknowledge is not precisely non-traditional, however just providing a little context) For those not familiar, Tech has 4 quarterbacks on scholarship, all sophomores or more youthful– incumbent starter James Graham, redshirt freshman Jordan Yates and real freshmen Jeff Sims and Tucker Gleason. Graham and Yates were recruited to Tech to bet former coach Paul Johnson, although Yates became part of the class that signed shortly after Geoff Collins was worked with. Graham has a great deal of talent and playmaking ability, but was not consistent enough, although a few of that was due to defense concerns. FSU fans likely learn about Sims, the four-star from Sandalwood in Jacksonville who was long dedicated to FSU before a late switch to Tech. Gleason is another Florida player, from Tampa Plant. My guess is itll be either Sims or Graham.”
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2. What will the identity of this offense be in 2020? Do you believe well see measurable development after a huge transition year?
” The strength of the offense (and possibly group) is at running back, beginning with All-ACC back Jordan Mason. Behind him are Jamious Griffin, a sophomore who was a four-star prospect coming out of high school (a big recruiting win for Collins) and Jahmyr Gibbs, a freshman who coaches and gamers have actually raved about. The offending line is bigger and should be markedly better, likewise, and the pass receiver group has more experience. (Slot Ahmarean Brown, from Tampa Jefferson, caught 7 goal passes as a freshman last year.).
Tech ended up 127th in overall offense last year, so it certainly cant be any even worse, but I do think the Jackets will enhance significantly.”
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3. There seems to be some buzz about what Geoff Collins can do long-term at Georgia Tech based on some early outcomes on the recruiting trail. What steps has he required to begin turning this lineup?
” He has actually done a lot in regards to being noticeable (through Twitter and radio/TV interviews) and attempting to offer Techs place in Atlanta (Georgia has started trying a similar technique, and Collins LOVES to advise individuals how far Athens is from Atlanta) and likewise trying to win more recruiting battles in the city and state. He and the staff are mainly young, energetic and appear to get after it in recruiting. The 2020 class was ranked 27th (247Sports Composite), where Paul Johnsons classes were generally in the 40s or higher.”
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4. I know the offense received some criticism last year, however the defense struggled also. Do you think we see a noticeable step forward in 2020, and if so, why?
” You are correct– the defense wasnt great, either, finishing 89th in total defense and 117th in hurrying defense. It was a young group for the many part and got bossed around. Acquiring weight was a big focus for the whole group, a goal that was accomplished. Plus, with the experience accumulated and familiarity gained in a new scheme, I would have to think the system will be much better. But, thats just talk. Ill be enjoying the defensive line closely on Saturday to see if theyre better able to hold up versus the run or pressure James Blackman.”
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5. FSU fans would enjoy to see Georgia Tech more frequently because of the location. If you were ACC Commissioner– Commissioner Ken– would you attempt to make this a crossover rivalry video game every year or two?
” Georgia Tech fans feel the very same method. If I were commissioner, I believe figuring out a way for all of the cross-division video games to happen more frequently would be a top priority, especially because of games like Georgia Tech-FSU where theres a natural competition and which for whatever reason has delivered some really memorable games over the past 12 years, including the two ACC title games. I recognize a few of the long-term crossover games are necessary, namely FSU-Miami and UNC-N.C. State. If making those video games semiannual would work, I would wonder. Because case, every team would have the ability to play every department opponent in a four-year cycle.
” But, I question if perhaps our problem may be resolved with the one-division format in location this year. If its gotten well, I envision there d be motivation to keep it.”.
Things initially … whats your feel on Georgia Techs quarterback situation? There seems to be some buzz about what Geoff Collins can do long-term at Georgia Tech based on some early results on the recruiting trail.” He has done a lot in terms of being noticeable (through Twitter and radio/TV interviews) and trying to offer Techs area in Atlanta (Georgia has actually begun trying a comparable strategy, and Collins LOVES to remind individuals how far away Athens is from Atlanta) and also attempting to win more recruiting battles in the city and state. FSU fans would love to see Georgia Tech more frequently because of the geography.” Georgia Tech fans feel the exact same way.
