By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Breaking down all three phases of Georgia Tech’s Spring Game.

Honestly, because of Georgia Tech’s offensive system, evaluating its spring game is no simple task. It’s difficult to get a feel for the defense because it’s playing against such a unique offense. It’s tough to guage how well the offense is gelling because they’re playing the rare defense that is used to playing against its particular brand of attack. Having fully couched all forthcoming commentary, here goes nothing.

Offense
Georgia Tech returns 91.4% of its receiving yards, 56.9% of its rushing production, and 73.9% of its touchdown scoring from last year. Regardless, it’s never fun trying to replace a three year starter under center. Unfortunately, due to a foot injury sustained earlier in the spring, new starting quarterback Matthew Jordan did not have an opportunity to show off his skill set. Star running back Dedrick Mills was also limited on Friday night. Last year’s leading rusher carried the ball 4 times for 23 yards, highlighted by a 17-yard bruising gash in the first quarter. The offensive line had a few gaffes, but looked like a largely improved unit, as a whole.

Defense
Again, because of Georgia Tech’s offense, it was difficult to get a feel for the impact of the loss of Patrick Gamble in the interior rush. Keshun Freeman did a good job of diagnosing plays and making reads, but still missed a couple of tackles. Junior linebacker Brant Mitchell stood out, notching 2.5 tackles for loss and 7 total tackles. In the secondary, junior defensive back Lance Austin was a tackling machine. Austin exhibited a great ability to break down and make open field tackles from his cornerback spot.

Special Teams
There were no kickoffs or punt returns, so not a lot to talk about there. It was a largely quiet night for the kickers and punters, although that’s usually what you want. Two thumbs up, I guess.

Overall
All things considered, the biggest offensive takeaway was that it needs to improve on its third down conversions. Quietly, that alone can be a great indicator of wins and losses. The Jackets went a combined 4 for 22 on third down. The main thing for the defense is to keep making the right reads, and then to improve on capitalizing with plays in the backfield. Georgia Tech has some tough sledding, schedule wise, in 2017, facing ten opponents that played in bowl games last year, as well as the eighth most challenging slate, based on 2016 winning percentages. That means that there’s not much wiggle room, but if the Yellow Jackets are at their best, they can hang with just about anybody.