Tech Hoping For Defensive Improvement In ’12

ATLANTA (AP) – Scoring has rarely been a problem since Paul Johnson became Georgia Tech’s coach four years ago. Keeping the opponents from scoring has often been another story for the Yellow Jackets.

After Georgia Tech’s first preseason scrimmage Saturday, defensive coordinator Al Groh said he believes the Yellow Jackets will be better on that side of the ball.

Georgia Tech allowed 26.1 points per game last season to rank No. 60 nationally during an 8-5 season.

Senior nose tackle T.J. Barnes (6-feet-7, 340 pounds), along with ends Izaan Cross (6-4, 300) and Emannuel Dieke anchor Groh’s 3-4 defense and give the Yellow Jackets more size than they have had in Groh’s first two seasons.