AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 13
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Historic Grant Field, Toe Meets Leather!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Its about that time folks…time to kick off the ACC conference slate…time to start our march towards that special Jacksonville date in early December.
While Georgia Tech has dominated Notre Dame and Samford to open the season, Boston College has already pocketed a 2-0 ACC record with wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina State. They did so by utilizing a stifling rush defense and most likely the best quarterback in the ACC.
The keys to the game, as I see them, are as follows:
Matt Ryan vs GT Pass Rush Ryan is the type of guy who can beat a team single handedly, if given the time to make his reads and good decisions. GT fans will remember the fits that Matt Schaub gave our defense when he played for UVA. Matt Ryan is that type of quarterback. He’s going to be playing in Sundays. This Saturday he’ll get his yards and put points on the board. Our defense will be sorely tested. Its going to come down to whether or not Tech can put pressure on Ryan and force him to make fast (bad) decisions. If Boston College can pick up the blitzes then the Yellow Jackets defensive backs will be under extreme pressure.
The GT defense needs to get on Matt Ryan like they got on Brady Quinn last year. Hit…hit him some more…and hit him again…get him dirty and sore.
GT Running Game vs BC Rush Defense The Eagles have been extremely solid against the run…ranking #4 in the country with an average allowance of 29 yards per game. Consider that’s 29 yards per game against a Wake Forest team that is known for running the ball and an NCSU team that was led by Tom O’Brien. GT will throw the #4 rushing attack at the Eagles defense, led by Tashard Choice and quite possibly the best offensive line we’ve see on the Flats in the past decade.
I like Tech’s chances in this matchup. Tashard is a great back and Offensive Coordinator John Bond has three more quality backs waiting to get into the game if Choice needs a break. Reshaun Grant will be back. Jamal Evans is solid. And Jonathan Dwyer looks like the next great back to wear the White and Old Gold.
I don’t think Boston College’s defense can stop the running game for four quarters. Bond will use his stable of backs to pound, pound, pound the BC defense…and they will crack sometime in the second half, allowing GT to put the game away with a long back breaking drive.
Taylor Bennett Its time for Taylor to make it happen. Taylor’s going to have to convert some long third downs. He’s going to have to provide a deep threat to stretch the field and loosen up the Boston College defense. Its gotta happen early, because we know BC will go into this game with every intent to stack the line and stop the run. Taylor must…MUST…be able to keep them honest.
Home Field Advantage GT fans have to crank it up this Saturday night. Its a night game on the Flats. No excuses.
Leave all the blue, black, khaki, and other colors at home. Wear white or wear gold. No other options. If you watched the Clemson vs FSU game on TV earlier this season you saw a fan base that knows that color to wear. Tech fans can do better. We must do better. You’re going to get tired of me harping on this all season. Get used to it. Our fans are color challenged and they need to be called out.
When the defense is on the field, get on your feet and make noise. We have to be the 12th man on defense. We have to make life uncomfortable for Matt Ryan. Don’t wait for third down to get loud and nasty. There will be time to rest your voice when our offense is on the field. No excuses this Saturday night…nothing less than bedlam is acceptable.
Be Loud! Be Proud! Wear Gold!
Go Jackets!
THWG!
