Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 27, 1993 TAG: 9308270184
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Landmark News Service
DATELINE: ATLANTA LENGTH: Medium
\ Is Georgia Tech over the difficult transition from Bobby Ross to Bill Lewis? It depends on whom you ask.
Lewis, who left East Carolina to replace Ross a year ago, says the Yellow Jackets have accepted his hard-nosed way of doing things.
"I think the players feel comfortable with us, and are no longer concerned with our system or how long we are going to practice," Lewis said.
But tailback Dorsey Levens, a senior who began his college career at Notre Dame, offers a different viewpoint. He says the team still is not comfortable with Lewis' rigorous conditioning program and is waiting to see if the ground game receives more emphasis.
"If we'd had a winning season last year, it would be easier to accept his ways," Levens said. "But we were 5-6."
Part of the Yellow Jackets' problem last season was the worst ground attack in the ACC and one of the weakest in the nation.
"We ranked 101st out of 105 teams. It was embarrassing," Levens said. "You've got to have a sound running game to win."
Lewis doesn't argue that point.
But he says the running game was ineffective because of a young offensive line and injuries at the tailback position.
"We were one-dimensional and that certainly hurt us," the coach said. "If our tailbacks stay healthy this year, our running game will improve significantly."
Georgia Tech is loaded at the position, with Jimy Lincoln and William Bell backing up Levens. Lewis says he will make use of all three and hopes they can average 4 yards a carry.
Levens isn't convinced.
"I don't think Coach Lewis is completely off his passing thing yet," Levens says. "He loves the pass."
Georgia Tech shared the national title under Ross in 1990. After an 8-5 record in 1991, he left to coach San Diego in the NFL.
Lewis moved in with his quarterback-oriented offense and a grueling conditioning program.
Most people are predicting another tough season. Levens thinks the bleak predictions are based on last season's poor finish and the loss of quarterback Shawn Jones.
"I understand why people are picking us low," he said, "but I think we will surprise them."
Much depends on Donnie Davis, a redshirt sophomore quarterback who has lots of talent but virtually no college experience.
"Davis has the chance to be something special," Lewis said. "He just needs time and experience."
With that in mind, Lewis has simplified the offense and is not asking as much from Davis as he did from Jones last season.
Levins and the other running backs hope that means they get the chance to carry some of the weight.
by CNB