Vols' Tommy Thigpen saw how potent Georgia Tech's flexbone can be

Tommy Thigpen’s last season at North Carolina was coach Paul Johnson’s first season at Georgia Tech. And although you wouldn’t guess it by the final score, Johnson’s flexbone offense made a powerful impression on Thigpen.

Thigpen, who now coaches Tennessee linebackers, is helping prepare the Vols for their season opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4. His memory of the first encounter with Johnson’s offense nine years ago is still sharp.

More:Are you ready? Vols play Georgia Tech in Atlanta on Sept. 4

Never mind that North Carolina held the Yellow Jackets to seven points in a three-touchdown victory. The game wasn’t that easy for the Tar Heels defense.

Georgia Tech rushed for 326 yards, including 157 by Jonathan Dwyer, and outgained North Carolina by more than 100 yards.

“What he does in college football is really to be respected,” Thigpen said of Johnson. “He runs the ball as good as anybody does in college football.

“He has the ability to adjust and adapt as well as anybody I’ve seen. We go out every single day trying to think like him.”

As nimble a strategist as Johnson might be, success hinges on execution. And holding on to the football is crucial to that success in an offense that requires the quarterback to read the defense on his handoffs and pitches.

In the 28-7 loss to North Carolina in 2008, Georgia Tech had three turnovers, including two lost fumbles. Turnovers are an occupational hazard for option offenses.

They could be more hazardous for the Yellow Jackets in the season opener.

Four quarterbacks have been competing for the starting job in preseason camp. The offense faced more uncertainty when running back Dedrick Mills was kicked off the team last week.

Mills, who rushed for 771 yards last season, played the “B" back position, which serves as the inside running threat in the flexbone.

Without Mills, Georgia Tech’s new starting quarterback will be handing off – or faking a handoff – to a new running back on his first option.

Any one of four players could fill Mills’ role against the Vols. Sophomore KirVonte Benson, who missed Saturday’s scrimmage with a minor injury, looks like the frontrunner for the backfield vacancy. He’s 5-foot-9, 211 pounds and ran a 10.6-second 100 meters in high school.

No matter who has played that position, he has gained a lot of yards, Johnson pointed out after Saturday’s scrimmage.

More:Improved Vols defense to face potent, varied offenses

More:Vols need to be more resourceful to win SEC East

While Georgia Tech will rely on inexperienced players to fill key backfield roles, Tennessee is preparing to combat an unfamiliar offense. Its scout team has played a vital role in that.

“The scout team has done a very good job of emulating and running the plays,” Tennessee coach Butch Jones said. “It’s something they have worked on for a long period of time.

“More important, it’s (mimicking) the overall speed of the game. That’s the most challenging thing.”

Georgia Tech’s challenge will be maintaining its speed with a new quarterback and "B" back.

Reach John Adams at john.adams@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6284 and on Twitter @johnadamskns.

More Vol news:

Four-star cornerback picks Vols over Alabama, South Carolina

Tennessee Vols receiver Josh Smith has sprained shoulder, not collarbone injury

Chicago Sky sign former Lady Vol Bashaara Graves for remainder of WNBA season

Love SEC football? Then sign up for the Voices of the SEC newsletter

Vols' Charlton Warren no stranger to major defensive improvement

Vols' Tommy Thigpen saw how potent Georgia Tech's flexbone can be

Tennessee football helps Knoxville economy score big bucks

Tennessee football 2017 breakdown: Special teams has stars in Evan Berry, Trevor Daniel