Jan. 2, 2010
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MIAMI – Georgia Tech’s high-powered, multi-faceted offense gets all the attention, but the Yellow Jackets are just as “multi” on the defensive side of the ball as far as Ken O’Keefe is concerned.
“You don’t know how they’re going to line up because they have been very multiple all year long,” the University of Iowa’s offensive coordinator said Saturday morning during his visit with media as the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl and Tech drew one day closer to reality.
“First, they are a very athletic defense. They’ve got excellent speed and they’re strong,” said Iowa’s veteran assistant coach.
“Obviously, Morgan’s gotten a lot of attention, with what he’s done up front and the season he’s had. But he’s got a pretty good core of people around him that help occupy some other folks.”
“Morgan” is Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech’s first team all-America defensive end. His numbers are staggering: 12.5 sacks – best in the ACC and sixth nationally, 18 tackles for loss, 52 tackles.
“He sometimes can be a one-man wrecking crew,” O’Keefe acknowledged before turning to the “other” Morgan, Morgan Burnett, a junior safety who also has made his presence known, chalking up 77 tackles and collecting four interceptions.
“He’s an outstanding player, too,” O’Keefe said. “They have great speed at the back end and at the linebacker position and are very athletic and strong up front.”
O’Keefe then went about the business of rattling off the different looks Tech has given opponents during their 11-win season to date.
“Against Miami, they basically played nickel the whole game. Other times, they are a base four-three team. They played a three-four against Clemson. So, they have the ability to adapt.”
“An ability to adapt…” Where have fans of the Hawkeyes heard that one? Perhaps when talking about the Iowa offense, a group that adapted to the loss of their No. 1 running back before the season even started, the loss of their all-Big Ten tight end, the loss of one of their most experienced and talented offensive linemen, and, lastly, the loss of their quarterback.
All, however, are expected to see action next Tuesday save Jewell Hampton, who is making great improvement as he continues to rehab from knee surgery.
Dace Richardson’s status was specifically called out. The outlook for the talented senior is good, according to O’Keefe.
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“You reach this point in the preseason as well…where everyone is sick of looking at each other. The offense doesn’t want to face the defense, the defense doesn’t want to face the offense. You know, it’s time to play. It’s time to play the ball game.”
Ken O’Keefe
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“He has a legitimate chance to play. There is no doubt about that,” he said. “We’re hoping. He’s really done a nice job to get back to this point. We’re a lot closer than we have been.”
O’Keefe said it’s reached the point where the coaches are tired of seeing the players and the players are tired of seeing the coaches. In other words, it’s time to play.
“You reach this point in the preseason as well…where everyone is sick of looking at each other. The offense doesn’t want to face the defense, the defense doesn’t want to face the offense. You know, it’s time to play. It’s time to play the ball game.”