Georgia Tech vs. Miami (FL)
Where to start…oh yeah, how about a 2-0 start to the year in NCAAF on Thursday Night plays! Let’s not dwell too much on the past, as you are only as good as your next pick, which I am all over tonight in the matchup between the Yellow Jackets and the Hurricanes. First things first for Randy Shannon’s Hurricane’s…they are hungry to get another shot at Paul Johnson’s Yellow Jackets after being embarrassed last year on National Television, also played on a Thursday. Last year the Yellow Jackets ruined the Hurricane’s chance at national prominence once again in their storied school history. So besides the very important revenge factor in this game, what is different from this year in comparison to last year that would make me pull the trigger on Miami? Well, first, I would like to draw everyone’s attention to the time of year these two teams hooked up last year…it was late in the year, Nov. 20, to be exact. At this point in the football season football teams are beaten up, defenses are worn down a little bit, in comparison to the beginning of the season. Also, a well tuned offense can roll, as they have developed chemistry and everything is clicking. That is exactly what we had last year at this time with the triple option of the Georgia Tech. This is completely different this time around. Georgia Tech’s offense is still making too many mistakes and is not in tune well enough to run the ball down anyone’s throat, especially a hungry, and eager Miami Hurricane’s defense that is flat out fast and athletic. Also, you have to look at the amount of time the Hurricane’s have had to prepare for the triple option this time around. They have had a lot more time to prep for this offense, which is key…and they also have some footage of their own team (last year’s game) to help them prepare and learn from. Miami’s defense is fast, fast, fast, but that does not matter unless you do assignment football. Shannon’s crew is going to be a lot better this time around, as they have a lot more time and a lot more footage to view for this battle. Additionally, I would like to draw everyone’s attention to something I feel is extremely important to remember and research in football games…in last year’s game their was a big play early in the game that helped change the complete outlook. It happened just a minute into the 2nd quarter with Miami having the ball and only down a FG, but they throw a INT for 6 the other way. This is a huge huge huge play, especially in a big game, and especially when you are on the road, which Miami was last year. Well Miami is at home (Dolphin Stadium) and Georgia Tech has had problems making those mistakes early in the year. What happens if Tech is stuffed early with the run and has to resort to passing the ball? Boy, for their sake they better hope that doesn’t happen, because Nesbit is a terrible passer, and a terrible decision maker in the passing game. A pick 6 could just as well happen this game as well, just favoring Miami this time around. Nesbit and the Yellow Jackets only had to throw the ball 7 times in the game, in large part because they took an early lead and the Hurricane’s couldn’t do anything right in stopping the option. It looked as if they had never seen the triple option before last year. Trust me, that has all changed, and the extra time of practice and preparation this week has only helped. On to Miami a little more…did you see what Jacory Harris did against Florida State? Yes, he threw the ball well, but he made a lot of good decisions in that game against a better defense then what he will see in Georgia Tech. Also, an interesting point of emphasis in this game is for the Hurricane’s to stop the pass rush and playmaking ability of DE Derrick Morgan. Well, I think they are going to have great success doing this since they have one of the best OT in all of college football in Jason Fox. The ability to rush the passer without having to blitz or bring too many defenders is going to be something Tech needs to accomplish, and with the help of Fox on the outside against Morgan, I give the Hurricane’s a huge and distinct edge in a part of the game that not too many people are going to mention in this forum or anywhere. And Finally, the weather, you have to take a little peak into that, and what I see is the possibility of rain…ouch, that is not going to bode well for the triple option, but guess what??? Both teams have to play in the weather, regardless, but I do give an edge to the team that does not run the triple option here. I really think Tech is screwed when their run game goes dry, and I know for a fact that Randy Shannon will copycat some of the things that were successful in stopping the option since their last meeting. I really expect this one to be a BLOW-OUT…Miami (FL) big, and getting closer and close to regaining their National Prominence once again!
PLAY OF THE DAY: MIAMI -5.5
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