After a performance that defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker called unacceptable, Georgia Tech’s defense has adhered to its weekly processes.
“We came in Monday like we usually do, review the film, went over our mistakes, where we can get better and just focus this whole week on those areas where we can get better at and making improvements in those areas as we come up to the game,” defensive tackle Djimon Brooks said.
On Saturday, Virginia gained 636 yards of offense in its 48-40 win over the Yellow Jackets. What may have been most galling was Virginia’s 240 rushing yards, a season high for Tech’s defense and Virginia’s offense. Worse, the Cavaliers entered the game averaging 120.3 rushing yards per game.
“The main thing with defense is stop the run first,” Brooks said. “That’s always the emphasis, and it’s always a bummer when you’re not stopping the run as you want to.”
Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech’s opponent Saturday, is not nearly as productive as Virginia on offense. The Hokies rank 13th in the ACC in yards per play (5.0), where the Cavaliers are first at 7.0.
Against Virginia, Brooks was credited with six tackles, tying his career high. Three of the tackles were for a loss or no gain. He was named the team’s defensive player of the week for his performance. Thacker praised him for playing with “ridiculous effort. He has for a long time.”
Brooks said his motivation comes from viewing playing time as a privilege.
“It’s a privilege to be out there with my teammates,” he said. “And for me to be out there – they’re allowing me to be out there on the field – so why wouldn’t I give my full effort chasing the ball, trying to get the ball down?”
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