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ATLANTA -- Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson still has confidence in his defensive coaches following one of the worst showings ever by the unit.The Yellow Jackets gave up the second-most yards in school history in last weeks lopsided loss at No. 15 North Carolina. Georgia Techs defense has another tough challenge at No. 18 Virginia Tech on Saturday.The search for improvement on defense has been a constant theme for Johnson this season. He said Tuesday a review of last weeks 48-20 loss to North Carolina solidified his belief that defensive coordinator Ted Roofs scheme is sound and the players arent confused.I watch the tape repeatedly over and over and I watch it with the defensive coaches and I understand whats happening, Johnson said, adding he has faith in the defensive scheme. ... As long as its sound as youve got a chance to execute it, thats all you can ask of them.Georgia Tech has allowed 34 or more points in four of its last five games. The defense gave up 636 yards to North Carolina last week, second only to the school-record 667 allowed against Notre Dame in 1977.The Yellow Jackets rank last among the nations 128 FBS teams in third-down defense. Opponents have been successful in converting 52 percent of third-down plays.Johnson said defensive players have not lost faith or lack an understanding of the system.I dont think we have those problems, he said. Ive had those before where the kids would come and say coach youve got to help us. Thats not the issue. Were not having those problems. Weve just got to play better.The defenses inability to get off the field on third down has been the biggest weakness.That creates most all the problems, Johnson said. Not all of them, but it would solve a lot if you could get off the field on third down.The Yellow Jackets (5-4, 2-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) rank last in the league with only eight sacks. Defensive tackle Patrick Gamble leads the unit with three sacks.Georgia Tech has tried to bolster its normal four-man pass rush by sending five or more players on blitzes. That tactic opens the way for experienced quarterbacks such as Virginia Techs Jerod Evans to counter with quick passes to beat linebackers or defensive backs left in man coverages.Johnson, who runs the spread option offense, said he offers advice on defense but wont micromanage on that side of the ball.Ive got enough confidence in our guys on defense to try to let them coach, he said.Virginia Tech is averaging 34.9 points and 444.4 yards per game. The Hokies (7-2, 5-1 ACC) are 4-0 this season when scoring 30 or more points.Game notes Johnson said on his weekly radio show Monday night he expects QB Justin Thomas (upper body injury) to play this week. Thomas missed the fourth quarter of last weeks game with the injury. Center Freddie Burden missed the second half, also with an upper body injury. Johnson said Tuesday no injury update would be provided to reporters before Thursday.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org Stars Jerseys China . It says Pocklingtons lawyer filed the appeal Friday in a California court. CTV Edmonton also says Pocklington gave a $100,000 cash deposit as part of the conditions of his bail, and that he will be out on bail until his appeal is heard. Custom Stars Jersey China . Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said. http://www.customstarsjersey.com/ . Olli Jokinen, Mark Scheifele, and Bryan Little each had a goal and an assist as Winnipeg won 5-2, handing Calgary its record-setting seventh consecutive loss on home ice. Cheap Custom Stars Jersey . Jane Virtanen scored two, and Alex Roach and Elliott Peterson rounded out the offence for the Hitmen (40-15-6). Brady Brassart chipped in with three assists. Colton McCarthy scored twice, Brayden Point had a goal and two assists, and Jack Rodewald also scored for the Warriors (15-35-9), who were 2 for 5 on the power play. Wholesale Custom Stars Shirts . -- Former San Diego Chargers safety Paul Oliver was found dead at his Atlanta-area home Tuesday night, and a medical examiner said Wednesday that the ex-player committed suicide. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Tim Williams scored 19 points and New Mexico rolled to an 83-43 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday night.The Golden Lions (1-11) missed their first 13 shots and New Mexico (7-4) forced nine turnovers and led 16-0 before Arkansas-Pine Bluffs first bucket by Trent Steen at the 8:34 mark. He finished with 11 points before fouling out with seven minutes remaining.The game was sloppy throughout, with the teams combining for 44 turnovers. However only New Mexico took advantage, turning them innto 24 total points.ddddddddddddDane Kuiper had 14 points for the Lobos and Connor MacDougall added 10, all from the foul line.Ghiavonnii Robinson led the Lions with 12, but only went 4-for-14 from the field.Arkansas-Pine Bluffs shooting was off all night, finishing 15 of 57, including a dreadful 3-24 in the first half.New Mexico particularly dominated at the foul line, making 37 of 49. ' ' '