ATLANTA (AP) - There is still pain and shock from a loss Paul Johnson describes as the worst of his five years at Georgia Tech.

There also is a big question for this week: How can Georgia Tech's defense hope to stop No. 15 Clemson's high-powered offense on Saturday after the Yellow Jackets were overwhelmed in last week's 49-28 loss to Middle Tennessee State?

Johnson says he believes Georgia Tech (2-3, 1-2 ACC) is better than it has played. He says he told his players ``I'm not going to give up on them.''

Johnson says he's paying more attention to defense after the unit allowed a combined 91 points in two straight losses to Middle Tennessee State and Miami. He's looking to end a trend of missed tackles and big plays allowed.