AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 18
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Will Tech turn Taylor Bennett loose?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five burning questions as we head into the weekend:
1. Will Georgia Tech turn Taylor Bennett loose? Coaches can’t say this or they would get run out of town. But I can say it. Saturday’s game with Army is a good time to work on the passing game, which the Yellow Jackets are going to need if they want to beat Virginia Tech on Nov. 1. Bennett threw it reasonably well against Miami but he needs to feel confident when the Hokies come to town two weeks from tonight. Probably wouldn’t hurt to get backup Josh Nesbitt a few extra snaps. One other thing: Tech needs to get an early lead and let No. 22 (Tashard Choice) spend the rest of the game with his feet propped up. That lad needs to be well rested on Nov. 1.
2. Can Kentucky do it one more time? This has been an incredibly busy week in Lexington as Kentucky continues to enjoy its win over No. 1 LSU while getting ready for Florida to come to Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday. There are no hotel rooms to be found as members of the national media descend on Lexington to cover the story. The spotlight on Kentucky last week was bright, but expectations were limited against the No. 1 team in the nation. Now the spotlight is brighter and expectations are high. How will UK react?
3. Does Rutgers have some magic left? A year ago Rutgers upset Louisville on a memorable Thursday night game that propelled the Scarlet Knights to an 11-2 dream season. South Florida, which is enjoying the heady status of being ranked No. 2, has to go on the road in a short week. Is tonight where USF stumbles?
4. How big is this game for Houston Nutt? Arkansas is 0-3 in the SEC. After the Hogs play at Ole Miss on Saturday, they still have to play South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU. Arkansas will be the underdog in at least three of those games. But if Arkansas loses to Ole Miss on Saturday, does that seal Nutt’s fate? Or has this decision already been made?
5. Will Nick Saban get his signature victory? When you’re the head coach at Alabama, your official stamp on the program does not come until you beat Tennessee or Auburn in a game you’re not supposed to win. Well, Nick Saban gets his first shot at a signature victory on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Tennessee has a better team with more athletes. But Alabama is playing at home. Saban was hired and paid $4 million to win a game like this.
