Ted Roof’s Defense Pummels the Panthers
(Written by Kyle Norton)
Homecoming is a time we celebrate bringing Alumni back to Tech. A day for Alumni to come back to their home of four or five or six years, and reflect on their fond memories of Tech. And for Tech students to honor the people who came before them. And it was a glorious homecoming indeed for Georgia Tech Alumni and Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof.
Ted Roof was not only a student at Georgia Tech, but also a football player, a team captain, and an All-American. He helped guide the Jackets to a 9-2-1 record in 1985 and a win in the All-America Bowl over Michigan State.
Ted Roof came back as the linebacker coach in 1998, was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1999, and served as defensive coordinator until 2001.
But now finally 12 years later, Ted Roof is back at his Alma Mater. And he’s getting big results.
Georgia Tech’s run defense has been stifling this year, allowing only 103 yards a game, and the past three games the defense has given up less than 100 yards rushing. The players have really stepped up and embraced his system, transitioning well from the 3-4 system that was used last year. Part of the reason the transition is going so well is that the players also really like Ted Roof.
“I just knew Coach Roof when he came in, he was a good guy and very easy to talk to and very down to earth from player to player. I knew I was going to enjoy playing for him. I just knew my senior year I was going to be a leader. I didn’t think I was going to do this, I just wanted to enjoy being a senior and enjoy being a round my teammates. Coach Roof has made than more fun. You want to get up and go to practice every day, and I appreciate that.” Said Senior Defensive End Jeremiah Attachou after the win over Pitt.
Now that the players and the coach are starting to click, the defense is starting to be more and more intimidating. The defense gives up an average of 18.8 points a game, which is the 15th best in the nation.
We were very happy to have all of our Alumni back on Saturday. However, we were especially happy to have Ted Roof back, coaching the Jackets on defense. Welcome home Coach Roof! Tech missed you.