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Georgia Tech Defensive Grades vs Clemson: It’s Not Pretty

By Shelby Williams

Oct 17, 2020; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney (44) breaks away for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hyosub Shin/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2020; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney (44) breaks away for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hyosub Shin/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Georgia Tech’s defense had a forgettable performance against Clemson last Saturday in their 73-7 loss.

It’s time to regretfully recap the defensive performance and giving defensive grades for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against them Clemson Tigers.

I expected it to be bad, but not this bad for the defense. I pray that I never have to write so harshly about Georgia Tech’s football team ever again. Clemson spared nobody during this game and showed literally no mercy.

Defensive Line: D

I try to give the Yellow Jacket defense the benefit of the doubt. But it’s just so hard when you allowed 73 points to be scored. The reason they didn’t get an F was because there were a few good moments in the beginning. After that, all it took was one fake pitch by Clemson Tigers Quarterback Trevor Lawrence for Tech to be thrown off. After that, it was all downhill from there. Antonneous Clayton looked alright for a few plays, but even he only had one solo tackle. Jordan Dominick had three total tackles. He had two solo and one assist. Djmon Brooks collected two total tackles. Calling Clemson’s offense fast is an understatement. These guys clearly weren’t ready for the wrath of sunshine and his o-line.

Linebacker: D-

Quez Jackson sacked Lawrence  in the first quarter and at first we looked like we might have a shot at something. This was probably my most proud full moment of the whole game.  He had perfect timing for this play. In this drive, Tech kept the Tigers to only a field goal. So something is to be said for that. Clearly after this that was all the defense had left in them. Linebacker David Curry had four total tackles- three solo and one assist. This sadly didn’t mean much for Tech when it came to stopping Clemson’s run game.

Secondary: F

Juanye Thomas hasn’t performed his best when needed. Against Syracuse he had 10 tackles and against Clemson he only had six. If there were a game to give your best defensive performance in, it would have been against Clemson. Charlie Thomas had four total tackles- two solo and two assists.
Wesley Walker had seven total tackles in his last game against Louisville. But during the matchup with the Tigers, he only had four. I think a lot needs to happen on the defense before they can even think about moving forward. They’re still a super young team. I expected way more of Coach Geoff Collins’ secondary. Clemson likely showed us every single aspect of our team that needs working on, even the ones we didn’t  know we had.

Punting: B

Pressley Harvin is the only player I’m not mad at right now. His longest punt of the game sits at 56 yards and he had 435 yards for the game. He still stays impressive.

Overall: D-

For the most part Trevor Lawrence was too quick for Tech’s defense.

Even though he had his first interception in a year in this game, he made up for it.
Their offense just simply outplayed us. In some cases, Lawrence’s receivers were just chilling in the end zone completely open while our safeties sat back and watched from afar. More discipline in this weeks’ practice will hopefully move us forward into