Georgia Tech Football: Six takeaways from Jackets 52-14 loss to Clemson

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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers attempts a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

No.4 The defensive line needs to better-going forward

Entering the season, the Jackets two biggest question marks came in the trenches. It was about their defensive and offensive lines respectively. On Thursday, the defensive line really struggled against the Clemson offensive line. Now, the Tigers do have a very talented and experienced offensive line, so not many opposing defenses are going to have success. That being said, the Jackets defensive line and front seven in total really struggled to create any negative plays.

As a defense, the Jackets were able to total six tackles for a loss. A strong number considering the Tigers defense totaled just eight (more on that later). However, the one thing the Jackets failed to do on Thursday was to generate any sacks. Junior defensive end Jaquan Henderson was the most impressive of any defensive lineman in Thursday’s game, totaling four tackles including two tackles for a loss and one pass deflection. We’ll give the Jackets the benefit of the doubt on Thursday due to Clemson’s experienced and talented offensive line but the defensive line will have to better going forward.

It’s been a long time since the Jackets have had a defensive line that can consistently cause negative plays and rack up sacks. If the Tech program is going to get better, they’ll need the defensive line to take some big step forwards in 2019 and beyond.