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

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers stiff-arms defensive lineman Brentavious Glanton #97 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as Etienne rushes for a 90-yard touchdown during the first quarter of the Tigers' football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers stiff-arms defensive lineman Brentavious Glanton #97 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as Etienne rushes for a 90-yard touchdown during the first quarter of the Tigers' football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Quarterback Tobias Oliver #8 celebrates with running back Jordan Mason #27 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets after Mason’s touchdown in the third quarter of their football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Quarterback Tobias Oliver #8 celebrates with running back Jordan Mason #27 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets after Mason’s touchdown in the third quarter of their football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

No.5 The offensive line held their own for the most part

The one area the Jackets didn’t struggle in as much as expected was on the offensive line. The Jackets offensive line coming into this season was expected to be a severe weakness as the offensive line never had to pass block at the rate they would in 2019. While they only pass blocked 18 times on Thursday night, the offensive line held their own.

The Jackets against a very talented front seven for Clemson, allowed three sacks on the evening. It’s not a tremendous number but it’s a number that could’ve been much worse given the talent disparity between Georgia Tech’s offensive line and Clemson’s defensive line. If the Jackets end up giving up just three sacks a game or about 36 on the season, I would consider it a success on the offensive line all things considered. Additionally, the offensive line allowed eight tackles for a loss, not a great number but once again, a number that could’ve been severely worse.

The offensive line still has much room for improvement but they really held their own for the most part. The run block needs its’ fair share of work as well as outside Jordan Mason, the Jackets struggled to run the ball. Outside of Mason’s 13 carries for 72-yards, the Jackets gained just 85 yards on 32 caries. That number will need to improve drastically going forward if the Jackets hope to have any offensive success.

Overall, it wouldn’t be a performance by the offensive line that I would characterize as strong or great but it was a quality performance and one that they could build on. The offensive line will need to take some big steps forward if they wish to pick up a fair share of wins in 2019 but only time will tell if that will happen.