Yellow Jackets Optioning for a Winner

The day Paul Johnson was hired, you could feel the opinions of that decision split like the Red Sea. Some think the triple option won't work because it's a "gimmick". Others feel like he's succeeded everywhere else, why not at Tech?

Having the opportunity to watch PJ for five years at Georgia Southern, I witnessed opposing team after team line up on defense determined, and convinced, they had such a "one deminsional" offense figured out. After all, these opposing defenses and coaches experienced the same offense for five years. How is it however that after five years of seeing the same "bland offense" these teams still couldn't manage to control such an offense?

PJ runs his offense with 2 slot backs, a full back and 2 wide receivers. If you recall the Warren Moon led Oilers of the early 90's, Moon would be in the shotgun with 1 RB, and 4 WR's. PJ's offense is similar except for the QB is under center, and the 2 slots are moved tighter into the formation -"slotbacks".

Any play can be run out of this formation. PJ chooses to run the ball the majority of the time due to the mismatches the scheme presents. I have often heard PJ say "we will put our guys in the best position to make plays". If this calls for throwing the ball more than running - he will.

The option will be run to the short side of the field more often than not to get the defense to over committ. PJ will often watch the secondary cheat up closer and closer to support the run. Once that happens, good night sweatheart. Touchdown to a lucky WR. I hope he's good enough to catch the ball being wide open.

The success of the offense depends on the QB. The QB must make split second decisions based on what certain defenders do. The QB, while watching what the DE or Outside Linebacker is doing, will put the ball in the belly of the FB (this transition needs to be perfected, for many times, the QB will pull out at the last moment), or keep the ball and read the end coming down to pick up the QB (if he hasn't pinched down to stop the FB). This typically leaves a 2 on 1 scenario, with the slot back being the option pitch, with a poor defender having to play guess.

The safety's by this time have decided to step up to support the run, but are typically 10-15 yards down field with the back side slotback making downfield blocks (the safety can't committ too soon - they certainly don't want to leave the back side slot back down field wide open).

Now, I've heard the speed of ACC defenders will be too fast for the triple option. In 2004, Mike Sewak was the head coach at GS. He ran PJ's triple option. Georgia Southern went into Athens, GA to face then #3 UGA. GS lost the game 48-28, but the 28 points GS scored that day were the most that UGA team gave up that year. Also, GS ran for 294 yards (4.6 ypc). The speed of that defense that day couldn't seem to stop a lower division football team running the triple option.

With the athletes GT has on offense, Nesbitt, Dwyer and company should have a fun year. I'm sure PJ can't wait for the season to start to internally say "I told you so" to all those doubting his offense. To all Jacket fans, get ready for a fun year.