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Georgia Tech Football: Analyzing the Yellow Jackets week one performance

By Mitchell Green

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 1: Defensive back Jaytlin Askew #33 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets looks to tackle running back P.J. Simmons #4 of the Alcorn State Braves at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 1: Defensive back Jaytlin Askew #33 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets looks to tackle running back P.J. Simmons #4 of the Alcorn State Braves at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Noah Johnson #13 of the Alcorn State Braves looses his helmet after being hit by linebacker David Curry #32 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Noah Johnson #13 of the Alcorn State Braves looses his helmet after being hit by linebacker David Curry #32 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line Breakdown:

Starters

  • DE – Desmond Branch
  • NT – Brandon Adams
  • DE – Anree Saint-Amour

Main Rotation

  • DE – Antwan Owens
  • DE/NT – Chris Martin
  • NT – Kyle Cerge-Henderson
  • DE – Brentavious Glanton

Review

The first thing to acknowledge for the defensive line is that their role in this defense is much different than what we saw under Ted Roof. When it comes to the run game, their job is to eat up as much space as possible in the middle and limit the offensive lines ability to get to the second level. While we did see the line make a few plays behind or at the line of scrimmage on Saturday, what they did well in my eyes was allow the linebackers to make plays. There were two or three occasions where they allowed a gap to open on the line of scrimmage and Alcorn State got to the second level of the defense. However, that is a small amount to allow over the course of the game.

Their job will be to rush the passer on passing plays, but the sacks will mainly come from the rushing outside backer or Nate Woody scheming rushers free on blitzes. To this point, the defensive line did not get a sack on Saturday, but they did provide pressure on a number of occasions. In these situations, the quarterback was forced to tuck the ball and run or get rid of it quicker than he would have liked.

Overall, it was a solid performance by this group. Of all the positions, this is the one I most look forward to observing against South Florida next week.

Standout Performer

Brandon Adams – I have to give Adams some love after making his first start. Playing in a position that best suits him at Nose Tackle, Adams more than held his own and often held off two-blockers, something that would go miles in helping this defense succeed.