2008 record: 9-4, 5-3 (1st-tie in ACC Coastal)
2008 bowl: Lost to LSU 38-3 in Chick-fil-A
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 22/22
Coach: Paul Johnson (9-4, 2nd year; 116-43 overall, 8 years)
Offensive coordinator: Paul Johnson (2nd year)
Defensive coordinator: Dave Wommack (2nd year)
Returning offensive starters: 10
Returning defensive starters: 8
Location: Atlanta
Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium (grass; 55,000)
Last league title: 1998 (tie)
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: There was supposed to be a learning curve during Coach Paul Johnson’s first season at Georgia Tech. Instead, the Yellow Jackets schooled the other ACC team in how to run the football. Johnson’s “flexbone,’’ an option-based spread, helped Georgia Tech finished fourth nationally in rushing (273.2 yards per game). The Yellow Jackets ran wild in November, crushing Miami 41-23 and outlasting Georgia 45-42. Junior running back Jonathan Dwyer thrived with the new-look attack, leading the ACC in rushing (1,395 yards, 12 touchdowns) and getting nine 100-yard games. Dwyer expects to be even better after dropping 10 pounds to improve his quickness. Sophomore Roddy Jones isn’t a bad second option after averaging 8.5 yards per game and smoking Georgia for 214 yards. Then there’s Louisville transfer Anthony Allen, a junior big back who set the Cardinals’ single-game record for rushing. The orchestrator, junior Josh Nesbitt, proved to be smart, resourceful and a good runner in his own right (693 yards). When needed, which isn’t often, Georgia Tech has an excellent wide receiver in junior Demaryius Thomas (39 catches). The offensive line has three returning starters.

Defensive: The secondary looks like Georgia Tech’s strongest area. Potential All-American free safety Morgan Burnett, a junior, had seven interceptions. The cornerbacks could be exceptional with sophomore Jerrard Tarrant, returning after serving a suspension last season, and junior Mario Butler. The linebackers, particularly junior Brad Jefferson, are sideline-to-sideline speed-burner types. Junior defensive end Derrick Morgan, who had seven sacks, is the leader of a defensive line that must replace three starters.

Specialists: Georgia Tech must upgrade in this area. Junior Scott Blair figures to again handle the place-kicker (12 of 19 on field-goal attempts) and punting, but coaches said training-camp competition is welcomed. Tarrant is the top candidate for returning duties.

Coaching: Last season, skeptics openly wondered whether Johnson’s offense would work in the ACC. That notion now seems laughable. Johnson, who thrived at Navy, has restored confidence at Georgia Tech. His plan is based in fundamentals and long-term vision. And it’s working quite well.

Heisman Hopefuls: Dwyer’s name is on the map after his stellar 2008 performance. He must break from the gate early, though, in order to become a serious candidate.

Game of the year Oct. 17 vs. Virginia Tech It’s a battle of the ACC Coastal Division contenders and the winner likely earns a trip to Tampa for the league’s championship game.

Overview: Now here’s a statistic guaranteed to excite Georgia Tech followers. Last season, 37 of the 40 Yellow Jacket touchdowns were scored by freshmen or sophomores. Are the program’s best days ahead? You bet. With Florida State and Miami continuing to stumble in their post-dynasty darkness, the ACC remains wide open. Look for Georgia Tech to yank conference honors away from Virginia Tech this season.

Next up: No. 8 Mississippi

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