Friday mailblog: Ga. Tech's passing fancy
September, 2, 2011
9/02/11
5:00
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
Tis' the season ...
Nick in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Hi Heather. Even though parts of the GA Tech game were sloppy last night, I was still quite surprised. Do you have an updated predicted ranking on them in the ACC or are you going to leave them 9th? I mean, come on... We can pass for more yards then we rush now???
HD: Ha ... I was impressed by the emergence of the passing game, Nick, but we have to wait and see how everyone else fares this weekend. Plus, we do have to keep in mind it came against an FCS team. Definitely some positives to build on, though.
Jeff in Villa Rica, Ga., writes: Before the rest of the games take place this weekend, Id like to point out that Georgia Tech is first in all offensive categories besides rushing where they are second. I know is was against WCU, but if we hold that after this week, are things looking up for the offense being more difficult to stop with improved passing.
HD: Definitely noted, Jeff. We'll give it the attention while it lasts. Jackets fans seem to be very encouraged by Tevin Washington's arm after Thursday night and deservedly so. Of course, they've got to cut down on the six fumbles, but hey, we'll accentuate the positive today.
Chris in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Hey I have a question regarding Georgia Tech's passing attack. They posted up big numbers against Western Carolina and I know its not the stiffest team to pass against but Days and Washington combined for 11-16 passing for 365 yards and 2 touchdowns. Not only were the numbers big but the passing attack just looked more fluid. On Tevin Washingtons second pass to Stephen Hill he bombed it down field and laid it right in to Hills hands while he was moving! I know we won't all of the sudden be the best passing team in the country but do you think that the passing in this game is a sign for things to come???
HD: Hey, I have an answer. I do. Paul Johnson has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be more efficient throwing the ball, and if he has a quarterback/receivers who can do that and help open up the playbook, there's no question Johnson will take advantage of it. Again, though, before everyone gets too excited, we have to see that continue not only consistently, but against better competition.
Treigh in Columbia, SC writes: Happy Football Friday HD! I got to ask you as an avid Clemson fan dying to get back in the valley tomorrow and excited to see a healthy Ellington what do you see for him this year. I personally believe he will rush for almost 11 hundred yards and nine scores. With about 25 catches and a couple more scores. What do you think he will do this year. Thanks and keep up the great work. Treigh
HD: I do think he will be one of the best backs in the ACC, and what separates him from some of the others is his versatility and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, as you mentioned. Definitely capable of 1,000 yards rushing. But, as you also know, he has to stay healthy, and the Tigers do have a few more options at running back. It will be interesting to see how many snaps Mike Bellamy actually gets.
Mike C in La Plata, Md., writes: So the big question for the terps, any idea on which uniform they will sport in the game against Miami?
HD: The captains will choose, but I'm hoping it's not the yellow pants.
Brian Banks in Miami/Florida writes: Do you believe UMD will be absolutely terrible this year? I am a long time Canes fan but I can not believe that we can win week 1 against the Terps since we are missing so many key players.
HD: The only thing terrible about the Terps is their yellow pants. I think Maryland is a respectable bowl team. I could be completely off about Miami winning that game. Either way, I still think it's close. I just think Miami uses the NCAA investigation as motivation instead of a distraction. I also think Miami is a deep, talented team capable of winning with some of its backups. Stephen Morris is hardly a rookie anymore.
Nick in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Hi Heather. Even though parts of the GA Tech game were sloppy last night, I was still quite surprised. Do you have an updated predicted ranking on them in the ACC or are you going to leave them 9th? I mean, come on... We can pass for more yards then we rush now???
HD: Ha ... I was impressed by the emergence of the passing game, Nick, but we have to wait and see how everyone else fares this weekend. Plus, we do have to keep in mind it came against an FCS team. Definitely some positives to build on, though.
Jeff in Villa Rica, Ga., writes: Before the rest of the games take place this weekend, Id like to point out that Georgia Tech is first in all offensive categories besides rushing where they are second. I know is was against WCU, but if we hold that after this week, are things looking up for the offense being more difficult to stop with improved passing.
HD: Definitely noted, Jeff. We'll give it the attention while it lasts. Jackets fans seem to be very encouraged by Tevin Washington's arm after Thursday night and deservedly so. Of course, they've got to cut down on the six fumbles, but hey, we'll accentuate the positive today.
Chris in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Hey I have a question regarding Georgia Tech's passing attack. They posted up big numbers against Western Carolina and I know its not the stiffest team to pass against but Days and Washington combined for 11-16 passing for 365 yards and 2 touchdowns. Not only were the numbers big but the passing attack just looked more fluid. On Tevin Washingtons second pass to Stephen Hill he bombed it down field and laid it right in to Hills hands while he was moving! I know we won't all of the sudden be the best passing team in the country but do you think that the passing in this game is a sign for things to come???
HD: Hey, I have an answer. I do. Paul Johnson has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be more efficient throwing the ball, and if he has a quarterback/receivers who can do that and help open up the playbook, there's no question Johnson will take advantage of it. Again, though, before everyone gets too excited, we have to see that continue not only consistently, but against better competition.
Treigh in Columbia, SC writes: Happy Football Friday HD! I got to ask you as an avid Clemson fan dying to get back in the valley tomorrow and excited to see a healthy Ellington what do you see for him this year. I personally believe he will rush for almost 11 hundred yards and nine scores. With about 25 catches and a couple more scores. What do you think he will do this year. Thanks and keep up the great work. Treigh
HD: I do think he will be one of the best backs in the ACC, and what separates him from some of the others is his versatility and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, as you mentioned. Definitely capable of 1,000 yards rushing. But, as you also know, he has to stay healthy, and the Tigers do have a few more options at running back. It will be interesting to see how many snaps Mike Bellamy actually gets.
Mike C in La Plata, Md., writes: So the big question for the terps, any idea on which uniform they will sport in the game against Miami?
HD: The captains will choose, but I'm hoping it's not the yellow pants.
Brian Banks in Miami/Florida writes: Do you believe UMD will be absolutely terrible this year? I am a long time Canes fan but I can not believe that we can win week 1 against the Terps since we are missing so many key players.
HD: The only thing terrible about the Terps is their yellow pants. I think Maryland is a respectable bowl team. I could be completely off about Miami winning that game. Either way, I still think it's close. I just think Miami uses the NCAA investigation as motivation instead of a distraction. I also think Miami is a deep, talented team capable of winning with some of its backups. Stephen Morris is hardly a rookie anymore.
Heather Dinich | email
College Football- ESPN.com ACC blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2007
- Wrote for The Baltimore Sun
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
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