Football Midseason Report Card

Offense

By Asif Heerji

Assistant Sports Editor

Through the first six games of the season, the Tech offense is averaging 28.7 points per game, by far the most points the Jackets have averaged in a year during the Chan Gailey era. Since offensive coordinator Patrick Nix became the play-caller and added some of his own ideas into the system, the Tech offense has become explosive. Last year, the opposition scored more touchdowns (28) than Tech (27) did, but the opposite is true this year as Tech has already found the end-zone 23 times this season and allowed only 11 scores.

Quarterbacks

Reggie Ball threw only 11 touchdowns and had 12 interceptions in 2005, but has turned that around this season. He currently has 10 passing scores and only five interceptions, increasing his pass efficiency rating by more than 33 points (99.25 to 132.89). His inconsistency still plagues him, however, throwing two interceptions against Virginia Tech after leading Tech on three touchdown drives. He continues to show signs of improvement and is starting to become more reliable.

Grade: B+

Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson has been sensational for Tech this season. He has lived up to the preseason hype and is definitely on his way to getting an invitation to New York for a shot at the Heisman. He has eight of the 10 touchdown receptions. But after Johnson, the Tech receiving corps drops off severely. Against Maryland, only two Jackets caught passes. Johnson hauled in 10 passes, a career high, and James Johnson caught three balls. This season, C. Johnson has 35 receptions while the rest of the Tech receivers (13 players) have a total of 43 receptions combined. Without a supporting cast, Tech's offense can become very vulnerable if opposing defenses decide to make C. Johnson a non-factor by double and triple-teaming him on every play.

Grade: B

Offensive Line

This part of the Tech offense has been the most consistent all year. The offensive line returned four starters from last year and added Mansfield Wrotto, a three-year starter on the defensive line. They have opened running holes for running back Tashard Choice and Ball. The Jackets are averaging one more yard per carry this year than they did in 2005, and are averaging 33 more yards per game on the ground.

Grade: A-

Overall Offense:

With a good mix of play-calling from Nix and a solid offensive line, Tech's offense has become a formidable one. The Jackets have the second-best conference rushing attack (23rd nationally) and is second in first downs earned (103). Tech's turnover margin is second to none in the conference at +5. With the exception of the Notre Dame game, Tech has scored 24 or more points in five consecutive games, the longest such streak under Gailey's tenure (previously three). In addition, the 28.7 points per game is far more than any Tech team has averaged in five years under Gailey's direction.

Overall Grade: A-

Special Teams

By Hahnming Lee

Contributing writer

The Jackets have played poorly on special teams throughout the season. In games against Maryland and Samford, Tech has allowed long kick returns that resulted in opponent drives beginning in Tech territory. Over the course of the first two games, the opposition started five drives at their own 35-yard-line or better on 10 kickoffs. The performance was at a season low last Saturday against the Terps, with two missed field goals and a kick return given up for a touchdown. While the Jackets played well on special teams against Virginia and Virginia Tech, kicking three punts inside the 20 and one for a touchback, they have yet to replicate that performance. Gailey and Special Teams Coordinator Charles Kelly will be looking for a way to minimize mistakes during the off week. A good special teams may not win games, but a bad one can certainly lose them.

Grade: C+

Defense

By William Bretherton

Senior Staff Writer

Six games into the season, the Tech defense has played an integral part in the Jackets' 5-1 start. Right now, the Jackets have one of the best defenses in the country. Tech is ranked No. 9 in the NCAA in rushing defense (No. 2 in the ACC), and No. 26 in scoring defense (No. 5 in the ACC).

Defensive Line

Going into the season, the defensive line was the strongest part of the team. After the first six games of the season, nothing has changed. Defensive tackles Joe Anoai and Daryl Richard have been able to get penetration into opposing backfields all season long, causing havoc on both running and passing plays. Possibly the biggest surprise so far has been the play of reserve defensive end Michael Johnson. While he missed the first two games of the season due to injury, he has played well lately. Against Maryland, he sacked quarterback Sam Hollenbach twice to preserve Tech's 27-23 victory.

Grade: A

Linebackers

Senior KaMichael Hall and junior Philip Wheeler are reminding Tech fans of former great linebacking pairs of the past such as Keith Brooking and Ron Rogers, Darryl Smith and Keyaron Fox or maybe even Ken Swilling and Calvin Tiggle. Hall has been the leader for the defense and is the Jackets' top tackler with 41 for the year. He also has three sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Wheeler is tied with Johnson for the team lead in sacks (with four) and is second in the ACC in tackles for loss.

Grade: A

Defensive Backs

This unit is the most suspect on the Tech defense. The Jackets' pass defense is rated No. 72 in the nation, and have allowed several big plays this season. Some of the problems the secondary is having can be attributed to Defensive Coordinator John Tenuta's blitzing style of play. In a scheme that blitzes as often as Tech's does, the secondary is left vulnerable to one-on-one coverages that sometimes allow big plays. Another disadvantage for the secondary is size; this was especially evident against Virginia Tech. On two third and long plays, the Hokies attacked 6-foot cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels with their 6-foot-4 receiver Justin Harper, who caught four passes for 109 yards against Tech.

Grade: B-

Intangibles

While Calvin Johnson and Reggie Ball get a lot of attention for the Jackets' success, the defense has been there every step of the way. Against Virginia Tech, the defense held the Hokies under 100 yards rushing for the first time this season and scored the game-clinching touchdown on a fumble return by Gary Guyton. While the Jackets did not have their best game against Maryland, the Terrapins final possession was a microcosm of the game. Jahi Word-Daniels failed to tackle Maryland's Darius Heyward-Bey but Tech's Avery Roberson was able to sprint down the field and tackle Heyward-Bey from behind at the Tech five-yard line to allow the defense to make their final stand of the game.

Overall Grade: B+