Georgia Tech vs. Maryland: Paul Johnson tackles criticism in weekly radio show

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson went on the offensive during his weekly radio show in the lead up to the Yellow Jackets' showdown with the Maryland Terrapins, tackling critics head on while some called Johnson out after Georgia Tech's 3-5 start.

Johnson was most active in defending quarterback Tevin Washington, who Johnson said could not control other circumstances impacting the senior's performance in 2012 and has the career to validate his starting role.

"He has an overall body of work," Johnson said, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "He can do what he can do. He can't control punts getting blocked, he can't control whatever, and the only thing I can tell you is the kid is busting his tail doing everything he can do for Georgia Tech."

When confronted about the Yellow Jackets' record, Johnson was quick to point out that Georgia Tech had hung with the talented Clemson Tigers until the Yellow Jackets' fourth-quarter falter and eventual overtime loss.

"It isn't making excuses, it's just facts," Johnson said. "We've lost two games in overtime. We lost the one at Clemson after being ahead in the fourth quarter. ... But all in all we played with them to toe to toe until we fumbled the snap on 4^th and 1 from the 7-yard line."