After a T-Day game that featured a slew of fumbles, a bad snap on a field-goal try and an interception, Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson may have been guilty of a bit of an understatement in his post-scrimmage summation.

"I like the way our guys competed and there were some big plays," Johnson said. "We've got to get to the point where we execute at a higher level."

Some bumps were expected along the way with Johnson installing the more run-oriented offense he brought from Navy, but as many as eight fumbles on the center-quarterback exchange and pitchouts was troubling.

It's an indication that Johnson and his staff are going to have to start fast when fall camp opens. The Yellow Jackets open against Jacksonville State on Aug. 28 and then face back-to-back ACC road games at Boston College and Virginia Tech.

The Jackets will have seven new starters on each side of the ball, including at quarterback, where Taylor Bennett decided to leave instead of trying to adapt his drop-back passing skills to the new offense.

Though he was limited by a groin injury over the final couple of weeks of the spring, sophomore Josh Nesbitt showed enough promise to earn his coach's praise.

"I am excited about Josh," Johnson said. "The more Josh can play, the better he is going to be. He has all the tools to be a great player. He just needs more experience.

"I feel good about the attitude of the team. There is an excitement and a willingness to learn."

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