OFFENSE

Georgia Tech’s offense churned out more than 400 yards per game once again, but the Yellow Jackets weren’t as efficient, as their scoring was down from 33.8 points per game in 2009 to 26.0 in ’10. Coach Paul Johnson was frustrated with breakdowns on the offensive line, and the team lacked the big plays in the passing game to complement the option-based rushing attack.

Tevin Washington, who started the final four games last season, is next in line at quarterback, but he will be pushed by redshirt freshman Synjyn Days and true freshman Vad Lee. Washington ran the ball well last year but completed only 41.0 percent of his passes.

Some fretted that Tech’s option offense wouldn’t be the same after Jon Dwyer left following the 2009 season. Anthony Allen stepped in and rushed for 1,316 yards despite a slow start. Now the question is being asked if the Jackets can survive without Allen. None of the four B-Backs battling to replace Allen has much experience. There are, however, some proven commodities at A-Back, most notably seniors Roddy Jones and Embry Peeples and junior Orwin Smith.

The receiving corps remains an issue. Tyler Melton and Stephen Hill likely will be the starters, but both had problems catching passes last season.

The Jackets must do some retooling on an offensive line that struggled in 2010. Left guard Omoregie Uzzi was an All-ACC pick last season.

DEFENSE

The line is the most experienced unit on defense, though it wasn’t overly productive last season. The linemen aren’t expected to be the playmakers in Al Groh’s 3-4 defense, but the entire unit combined for only four sacks and 12 tackles for a loss in 2010. End Izaan Cross looked good at times and has the ability to be the next standout defensive lineman for the Jackets.

Julian Burnett, a 5'10" sledgehammer, leads the linebacking corps, which should be more athletic than last year’s group that often seemed to be a step away from making a play — not what you want out of your linebackers in a 3-4 defense. Burnett will take on more of a leadership role this fall.

All four starters in the secondary must be replaced. The coaching staff is excited about cornerbacks Rod Sweeting and Louis Young, who are both big and can run.

SPECIALISTS

Johnson says he is going to pay much more attention to special teams after the Yellow Jackets struggled in this area last season. Scott Blair eventually ended up handling all three kicking responsibilities during his senior season. His departure is a huge loss. Justin Moore is on scholarship as a kicker, and he showed a lot of leg but not a lot of control last season in limited opportunities handling kickoffs. Chandler Anderson, the likely punter, has yet to attempt a kick in his career.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Georgia Tech stumbled to a 6–7 record last year — only the second losing season in Johnson’s 14-year career as a head coach — after winning a conference title just two years ago.

Was 2010 an aberration, or are the Yellow Jackets slipping down the food chain in the ACC? The 2011 season will go a long way toward answering this pivotal question. The Jackets could make it back to a bowl game for a 15th straight season, but don’t expect this club to be too much of factor in the Coastal Division race.