AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 28
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tech’s got more than a prayer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech is better prepared to play at Virginia Tech this season because the Yellow Jackets are better this year. Period. More talent. More experience in key spots, and youth that is diffused because of the talent around it in others (like wide receiver).
They’re a little faster, and they’re more in it together. By that, I mean Terry Moore’s column today was dead-on with regards to his quote from KaMichael Hall about chemistry. I quoted Hall in a similar way a few days ago for a story, and truly believe that chemistry and all related matters (many of which are difficult to really detail) matter a lot.
Yes, you’ve got to have a certain amount of talent, scheme’s important, and breaks within a game help. But if you’ve got a bunch of guys who go their separate ways after every practice, you’ve got problems even if you have all the above and more.
I think Tech’s got “it” this season, although I’ve seen “it” fall apart before on the NFL level while covering the Falcons (like last year, when it was like somebody threw a bomb in the meeting room at midseason; still can’t quite explain all of what happened as I’ve never figured out what splintered that team’s psychology).
Anyway, this doesn’t mean I’m saying the Yellow Jackets will win. But I darned sure won’t be surprised if they do.
Assuming they don’t have special teams and psychological meltdowns, like last year (when one precipitated the other, with a large assist from a frenzied crowd, from what I’ve come to understand), it’ll be about the running game. Period.
Yes, big pass plays can make a difference, and might, but if one team has a crappy day running the ball, that team’s not going to win if the other runs it well. Period — unless there’s a turnover differential of two or more in favor of the team that can’t run.
The gospel, according to me.
