AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 29
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Key matchup
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tech’s defensive line, the team’s greatest strength, lost the battle up front against Virginia.
You know Michael Johnson, Vance Walker, Darryl Richard and Derrick Morgan, all NFL-caliber players, are eager to dominate once again. And they will have that opportunity against Florida State’s extremely young line.
The Seminoles start true freshmen at left tackle (Andrew Datko, 6-6, 276), right guard (David Spurlock, 6-5, 286) and right tackle (Zebrie Sanders, 6-5, 280). Center Ryan McMahon (6-3, 282) and left guard Rodney Hudson (6-2, 282) are highly regarded sophomores. They’ll get help from a massive tight end, junior Caz Piurowski (6-7, 275).
This article by my friend Corey Clark, formerly of the Gwinnett Daily Post, gives us a better look at that talented but green offensive line.
It should be noted that FSU has given up just 12 sacks this season, tied for fourth-fewest in the ACC.
Tech managed just one sack last week and generally failed to make Virginia QB Marc Verica uncomfortable in the pocket.
FSU’s Christian Ponder is more mobile — he ran for 144 yards against Miami — and has made big plays with his feet all season. Regardless, Tech must ratchet up the pressure and harass Ponder in order to win.
Coming off their worst showing in ACC play thus far, I expect the D-linemen to bring it.
What kind of performance do you expect?
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
