AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 07
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Excited or bored?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gardner-Webb plays in the Big South, and teams from that I-AA conference haven’t really scared the big boys this year.
Coastal Carolina lost 66-10 at Penn State. VMI lost 51-31 at Ohio. Charleston Southern lost 52-7 at Miami, 38-27 at Miami of Ohio.
Gardner-Webb played two I-A teams last season, losing 36-14 at Ohio and 31-15 at Mississippi State.
This year’s Runnin’ Bulldogs are 2-3, 0-1 in the Big South.
So this matchup lacks sizzle, to say the least.
(It should be noted that Tech scheduled Gardner-Webb only after Army pulled out of its contract a year ago. Tech was unable to schedule a I-A opponent because it couldn’t play the second game of a home-and-home before 2012.)
There are 24 players from Georgia on Gardner-Webb’s roster; you know they’ll be eager to make a good showing in Atlanta.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs bring a rush defense that ranks third nationally in I-AA (45.6 yards per game) and a passing offense that averages 224 yards per game.
But obviously, Tech should have its way with Gardner-Webb on Saturday.
CPJ says this week will test the maturity of his team. We’ll find out if Tech can maintain focus, keep building momentum. Not to mention stay healthy before Clemson.
But what about the fans: Can you get excited for a lesser opponent? Do you look at it as another chance to see your team grow, or a mere break between ACC games?
