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Georgia Tech Football: Things I Think I Know – Louisville
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- Georgia Tech Football: Things I Think I Know – Louisville
I thought last week was rock bottom, but man, was I wrong. This team has become a laughing stock, and it is hard to see anything redeeming about this program. How can a team with this much talent look this bad? In my 25 years of life, this is shaping up to be one of the worst displays of football I have ever witnessed. Unfortunately, things do not get any easier from here, as we welcome Louisville to Bobby Dodd. Here is what I think I know as we brace ourselves for what could be another embarrassing Saturday on the Flats.
Louisville's running back duo is going to run all over us.
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Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown are two talented running backs (nope, not related), and they have a combined total of 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Cardinals this season. Both are averaging over 7.5 yards per carry, which means they will be ready to wreak absolute havoc on our poor defense. After watching Pitt rush for 281 yards last weekend, including a career-high 185 yards from freshman running back Damon Ferguson Jr., I have very little confidence in our ability to slow down this Louisville rushing attack. The Cardinals are averaging 225.1 rushing yards per game and rank eighth nationally in total offense, putting up an impressive 492.1 yards per game. As Josh Pate would say, it may be a splattering in Atlanta on Saturday night.
Defensively, this is where Louisville has fallen short. The Cardinals are allowing 411.2 yards per game, and we would probably be having a much different conversation about this team if their defense were more consistent. All three of their losses have come by just three points, with each opponent recording over 400 yards of offense. Unfortunately, I do not think they will have much trouble against the Jackets. We managed just 238 yards of total offense against Pitt and have apparently developed a new habit of dropping the football. At least our defense finally forced some turnovers, so there is that. I expect us to put up more points than we did against Pitt, but I just do not see it being enough to keep pace with Louisville's high-powered offense.
Things are ugly in Atlanta.
I can't imagine what the energy in the locker room is like right now. Former Alabama edge rusher Noah Carter has left the program, and while I do not know the details, the frustration with this team could definitely play a factor. Rumors are swirling about him and several other Tech players, but who knows what is true and what is fabricated. All in all, this was a horrid performance, and things have been getting exponentially worse each week since the Duke game. It's much too late for anything to be fixed, and this is just such an ugly disaster unfolding before our eyes. It breaks my heart to see, and it breaks my heart for the players. I will always support Georgia Tech no matter what, but I fully expect changes in the near future.
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The fanbase was ecstatic when we landed former five-star running back Justice Haynes, who was one of the best running backs in college football last season until he broke his foot. Against Pitt, he could only muster 33 yards on 11 carries. In case anyone was wondering, it's not a Haynes problem; it's an offensive line problem. We have lost that identity of physicality that America loved about us. In the wise words of Jack Purdy, what the hell is going on?
We should give Grady Adamson a shot at quarterback.
Sometimes, change is a good thing. Change can bring motivation, fresh starts, and hope. After Mendoza's last several performances, I think it could be wise to give Grady Adamson more playing time. I am not saying he has to start over Mendoza, but we don't have much else to try at this point. With how terrible the offensive line is, I doubt it'll make too much of a difference, but it could give this offense a tiny bout of confidence. If Adamson decides to stay at Tech, it may be useful to give him some reps and see what he's all about. Mendoza has a lot of promise and talent, but his confidence and playmaking ability are dwindling week by week. There is not much life in any of these players' eyes, and it could take as little as a quarterback change to get it back. Adamson appeared against Boston College and Pitt, and had decent showings. He was 7-for-9 for 73 yards against the Eagles, and this past weekend he rushed for 68 yards and scored the lone touchdown. I don't think the team can be revived at this point, but it could help to see if something clicks.
There just isn't much to say. Georgia Tech football is at an all-time low, and I think all fans are just hanging on until the offseason. Let's hold on until we get there, but keep supporting and keep the faith. Better days are ahead of us.
Go Jackets.
