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Georgia Tech looking to stiffen defense

Published: August 22, 2012 Comment on this article

ATLANTA (AP) — The triple-option offense gets most of the attention at Georgia Tech.

The Yellow Jackets know their title hopes will likely depend on what they do on the other side of the line.

photo - FILE - This July 23, 2012 file photo, Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson speaks to the media during an Atlantic Coast Conference college football kickoff news conference in Greensboro, N.C. Georgia Tech still has roles to fill at running back, receiver and inside linebacker, but coach Paul Johnson says the 2012 team is as deep as any he's had in five years with the Yellow Jackets. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

FILE - This July 23, 2012 file photo, Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson speaks to the media during an Atlantic Coast Conference college football kickoff news conference in Greensboro, N.C. Georgia Tech still has roles to fill at running back, receiver and inside linebacker, but coach Paul Johnson says the 2012 team is as deep as any he's had in five years with the Yellow Jackets. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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While the Atlantic Coast Conference school has piled up big rushing totals in Paul Johnson's tenure as head coach, the defense has yet to establish itself as a championship-level unit. Last season, the Yellow Jackets gave up nearly 360 yards per games, ranking 44th nationally, and they were even worst in points allowed, 60th with a 26.1 average.

Johnson is looking for better numbers in Al Groh's third season as defensive coordinator. The players should be much more comfortable in the 3-4 scheme, which should translate into better play on the field. But Johnson wants results, not talk.