Georgia Tech has an admirer in ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who will be calling the ACC title game on ABC Saturday night. The reason is rather personal – when Herbstreit was a high-school quarterback in Centerville, Ohio, he ran an option offense similar to Tech’s.
“So I’ve always enjoyed watching them,” Herbstreit said. “And even when Paul (Johnson) was at Navy, I just loved that style. I always kind of keep an eye on them and who the quarterback is and see what he might do. Obviously, Justin (Thomas) has had a huge year and seems to be getting better each week and more confident every week.”
Herbstreit said “it’ll be fun to watch (Thomas’) athletic ability against the Florida State defense.” Herbstreit does not offer predictions on games he calls, but said that, in covering multiple Seminoles games this season, “they have trained all of us to expect mistakes early.” If the pattern follows, it will be critical for Tech to convert those mistakes into points and then hang on at the end. Other teams have been unable to do that, as Florida State has remained undefeated, but Herbstreit recognized that as a Tech strength.
“The whole thing to remember is trying to lengthen the possessions as much as they can, converting on third downs,” he said. “The best defense might be (FSU quarterback) Jameis Winston on the sideline, not having to worry about defending him.”
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