As I mentioned in my preview this was one of the most highly anticipated matchups involving teams from the BCS and the FCS that we have seen in some time. There was a nervous energy emanating from the field to the stands, and to the press box where I sat. Finally, the moment we have been waiting for since Paul Johnson was hired last winter. Wait for it, here it comes. … A pass attempt up the middle from Josh Nesbitt to Roddy Jones, which he dropped, by the way. The play is proof that Paul Johnson has a sense of humor. Everyone in the stadium chuckled lightly and got ready to watch some football.
The offensive execution (triple option included) was a little shaky at first, as if they were trying to find their timing and shake off the nerves, but when they settled in their play was spectacular. Jonathan Dwyer was as advertised, rushing 11 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns. His 21-yard touchdown, a play in which he took the inside handoff, slipped past a couple of defenders to get to the outside, and blazed a path to the end zone, gave us all the same thought: “holy cow, this offense does work!” However, the play of the night came when redshirt freshman A-back Roddy Jones, the pride of Chamblee High, took the pitch from Nesbitt, glided through several defenders and down the sidelines for a 49-yard touchdown. I saw him once while he was at Chamblee but I had no idea he was that fast. It was as if he was on skates. The play was one of eight plays for Tech that went 20 or more yards. The offense by all accounts was a success in week one, but Dwyer imparted some knowledge that fans may have missed in all the excitement. “We ran it (the triple option) only about six or seven times. That surprised us,” said Dwyer. Surprised me too!
On defense, domination was expected and domination is what we got, holding the Gamecocks to 258 yards of total offense. However, two players emerged from this game. Safety Morgan Burnett snagged two interceptions, one saving a potential touchdown. “He has a nose for the football,” said defensive tackle Darryl Richard. “You can see it in practice, he’s going after the ball. He has the mentality that if the ball’s in the air, it’s Morgan’s ball.”
Defensive end Derrick Morgan got 1.5 sacks and pressured Perrilloux all game.
The only area of significant concern is special teams. Scott Blair missed two field goals and an extra point. The return game (kickoff and punts) yielded seven yards. Tyler Melton fair caught each punt, and Tech lost the ball on the opening kickoff of the second half. These mistakes can be overlooked against Jacksonville State, they could lead to a bloodbath in Blacksburg in two weeks.
Overall, mission accomplished. Tech was able to get their feet wet with two new systems before crunch time in the ACC. My player of the game is Jonathan Dwyer.
Crosskey can be reached at jcrosskey@aol.com.
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