Three storylines
Ending the streak. Georgia Tech players and coaches have little interest in hearing any further about their bowl-game losing streak. They have the opportunity to silence the talk, but likely will need to summon one of their best all-around performances of the season to do it.
Containing John White. The Utes went run-heavy when starting quarterback Jordan Wynn suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the season. The solution was White, who is 103 yards shy of the school's single-season rushing record. Utah's plan will be to run White until his legs fall off. Tech needs a suitable response.
Score first and often. Particularly with Utah's ability to hold onto the ball and grind the clock — see above — it is even more incumbent than usual upon the Yellow Jackets to gain an early lead. Falling behind early against a team that can come after the passer does not appear to be a viable strategy.
A Tech win would …
- Stop the Jackets' six-game bowl losing streak.
- Be its 23rd bowl victory, 10th most in college football.
A Utah win would …
- Improve Utah's bowl record to 13-4.
- Raise coach Kyle Whittingham's career record to 66-25.
Keep an eye on
For Tech: Inside linebacker Julian Burnett. He likely will have several encounters with Utah running back White, who averages 24.2 carries per game. How far downfield they take place will say plenty about Tech's chances.
For Utah: Strong safety Brian Blechen. He will drop low into run coverage to help stem Tech's running game, but can also play deep in pass coverage. A sophomore, Blechen is third on the team in tackles and has started every game since his freshman season.
The numbers game
15 Consecutive bowl games Tech has appeared in, counting the Sun Bowl, tied for fourth-longest active streak with Georgia.
24 Combined points that the Jackets have scored in their past three bowl games, against LSU, Iowa and Air Force.
The history book
Series record: Utah leads 1-0
Last meeting: Utes wide receiver Travis LaTendresse caught 16 passes, tying the record for a Tech opponent, for 214 yards and four touchdowns in Utah's 38-10 Emerald Bowl victory Dec. 29, 2005. Utah defensive back Eric Weddle limited All-American wide receiver Calvin Johnson to two catches for 19 yards.
The bottom line
It’s a tough matchup for the Jackets, particularly given the possibility of having four missing starters. Tech, however, often is at its best when the odds appear long.
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