Still, mounting a defense, pun intended, for the outbound Ted Roof isn't easy. If we go by Brian Fremeau's defensive efficiency rankings on Football Outsiders, here's where his men ranked over his five seasons under Johnson – 77th, 70th, 62nd, 94th and 64th. We use efficiency rankings because total defense measures yards gained, which can flatter Tech because Johnson's offense tends to move slowly and leave fewer plays for the opponent.

Tech’s defense improved on third down this year, which is never a bad thing, but it was terrible in end-of-half/game situations, which is almost always a bad thing. The Jackets scored a touchdown 48 seconds before halftime to cut Georgia’s lead to 14-7; the Bulldogs led 17-7 by the time the teams adjourned to their locker rooms. “I used as much time as I could,” Johnson said afterward.