AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 14
Friday, November 14, 2008
Canes do Tech a favor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Did you catch Miami’s 16-14 win over Virginia Tech last night?
If you did, you saw a swarming Hurricanes defense Georgia Tech will have to deal with next Thursday. That defense, which ranked 15th nationally coming into the game, is the biggest reason Miami has won five straight.
But first things first. Miami’s win boosted Georgia Tech’s chances to win the ACC’s Coastal Division. A lot of things still have to happen, including Georgia Tech beating Miami next week. (And Miami is now 13-1 in Thursday night ESPN games).
Tech needs another domino to fall Saturday. If North Carolina loses at Maryland, Tech’s chances keep improving. It’s still a longshot, but hey, anything is possible in the ACC. As of now UNC controls its own destiny in the Coastal.
I was really impressed with the speed and discipline of the Miami defense, as were the ESPN announcers. Defensive end Marcus Robinson, one of 11 true freshmen on Miami’s two-deep, had three of the Canes’ six sacks. Allen Bailey got the last one, corraling Tyrod Taylor on 4th down to seal the win.
And the run defense? VT’s Darren Evans ran for a school-record 253 yards last week against Maryland. He gained 43 yards on 17 carries last night.
Virginia Tech wasted some chances, most notably when that freshman receiver got behind the secondary and dropped a sure touchdown. But overall the Hokies’ offense looked overmatched by Miami’s D.
To move the ball effectively next Thursday, the Jackets will have to be a lot sharper than they were at North Carolina.
Were you as impressed as I was by Miami’s D? Do you think Tech can make enough plays to win?
