AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 21
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A few pre-game hunches
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Less than four hours from kickoff, and I have a hunch …
Tech’s offense will take yet another unmistakable step tonight. Not saying they’re going to score 34 again, but I think the playbook will grow even more against Virginia. Say what you want, but the offense has looked like a flower each of the first three games - unfolding a little more with the passing of each day. That’s a good sign, as long as Patrick Nix doesn’t keep going too far. At some point, you gotta say, ‘OK, lets be real good at these plays and dial in on them,’ without getting stale or predictable. That’s doable without limiting oneself to a smallish play list.
— Reggie Ball completes 55 percent or better. Again, got a feeling.
— A tight end gets a pass thrown his way tonight. It’s gotta happen sooner or later.
— Michael Johnson goes nuts.
— Tech’s kickoff team buttons it down, except for maybe one exception, possibly two.
— The Cavs’ 3-4 defenses causes some problems, but not for long and not all night.
— Somebody not on the star list stars tonight (my top candidates: Greg Smith, Jamaal Evans).
— This game has NOTHING to do with sending messages to Virginia Tech. It’s about beating Virginia, period.
— Virginia changes quarterbacks, at least once.
— On related matters, if Tech’s going to get any verbal commitments soon, and I’m not saying the Jackets are for sure or are not for sure, OT Clyde Yandell of Jacksonville’s your man. Cedric Everson’s fiddling around, driving people nuts.
— Doubt it’s serious, but WR James Johnson may have a leg or groin ailment. If his playing time’s limited tonight, that’s probably why.
— On hoops matters, G Anthony Morrow’s going to be ready in advance of the season. His absence from early practices will afford more room for some young guys to work, but not take his position. If that happens, it won’t be because of time missed. It’ll be because some of the newcomers (Thaddeus Young ring a bell?) are real good. Young’s more athletic than Morrow, not the shooter he is, and more of a defensive threat. It’s going to be interesting.
Later.
