AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 27
Monday, August 27, 2007
Jones to trigger Fighting Irish?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have no money to back it up, but I think Demetrius Jones starts at quarterback for Notre Dame Saturday, not that I think it’ll make much difference if the Irish are to win. I’m not saying they are going to win, either, but I don’t think the caliber of play at that position wins the game for Notre Dame.
I do believe the caliber of play at that position may contribute strongly to Notre Dame losing.
If Notre Dame is going to win, the Irish are going to have to take care of the ball, figure out a way to slow Tech’s running game with their new-fangled 3-4 (don’t think it’s going to happen), and avoid big plays surrendered in the passing game (they have a shot at that).
If this game is low scoring again, like last year, Notre Dame’s chances are a lot better. But I don’t think Jones and/or Claussen combined with the rest of that offense will be built to score a lot of points on Tech’s unusually experienced defense.
I think Jones starts, Claussen plays, and Jones finishes.
Now, for kickoffs, I’m hedging toward Tech freshman walkon Scott Blair. This is about the only guesswork left for the Jackets, other than the return game, as Jacob Lonowski has to start at RT (A.J.’s been out too long). Starting WRs will be James Johnson and Greg Smith, although Demaryius Thomas will play a lot when Tech is in 3-WR sets, and at times he’ll be in there in 2-WR sets, methinks.
Later this week … will Tech be susceptible to the spook factor, and Touchdown Jesus, and so on and so forth? (Early hint: Puhleeze!)
Matt
