LIVE BLOG: Georgia Tech vs. No. 11 Miami

Tech is up against some history, not to mention a formidable opponent in the undefeated Hurricanes. The Jackets have lost four in a row to Miami in this stadium – they did win the Orange Bowl here in 2014 – and have also lost two consecutive in the series. (I wrote a story about that this week, talking to four former players for their memories of how calamity befell the Jackets.) Further, coach Paul Johnson is 2-7 against Miami and has the same cord against Hurricanes coach Mark Richt, going back to their in-state rivalry.

But, there’s plenty of reason to think that the Jackets will break through this afternoon.

Miami is beat up after its 24-20 win over Florida State last week. The Hurricanes will be down four starters, notably running back Mark Walton, an All-ACC pick last year who is out for the season with an ankle injury. Further, wide receiver Ahmmon Richards is questionable with a hamstring injury.

What I think I want to see most this game are two things: How much Tech’s guard box – left guard Parker Braun, center Kenny Cooper and the right guard rotation of Shamire Devine and Will Bryan – can get push up the middle, and how well Tech’s defense can limit big plays. The Jackets’ struggles against Miami (2-7 in the Paul Johnson era) have often been tied back to the Hurricanes’ ability to hit explosive plays with their fleet of skill-position players.

In warmups, Tech has been using Chet Lagod and Bailey Ivemeyer in drills at center behind Kenny Cooper. Both are walk-ons. Ivemeyer played some at offensive tackle against North Carolina with Jahaziel Lee and Andrew Marshall out.

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That’s about it for now. I’ll be back with more once we get started. If you have questions, please ask.