3 keys for Georgia Tech vs. BC

Three keys to Georgia Tech’s season-opening game against Boston College:

• Get the B-backs going early. Freshman Dedrick Mills is supposed to start at B-back in coach Paul Johnson's spread option offense. He is just the second freshman to start a season-opening game and the first at B-back. No pressure. Johnson said earlier this week there they have scripted a few plays, presumably to try to help give Mills a level of comfort. Mills has been described by teammates as a hard runner with good vision. Boston College had one of the best run defenses in the FBS last season, allowing 82.8 yards per game. The Yellow Jackets averaged 256.2 rushing yards per game in what was considered a down season last year.
• Pressure the Boston College quarterback early. Georgia Tech had just 14 sacks last season, the fewest in the ACC. Most of the players that were responsible for that lack of production in the front seven are back this season. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof said they have devoted a lot of time to improving the pass rush, working on techniques and fundamentals, as well as trying to learn how to better disguise their blitzes. The Eagles may not pass much because the styles of their coaching staff have typically focused on a power running game. Still, the Jackets need to show that they can pressure the quarterback or they could be in for a rough day of run followed by play-action passes.
• Avoid fumbles. The Yellow Jackets won't want to try to rally against what should be a solid Boston College defense. Avoiding fumbles, something that has been a problem for the team simply because of the nature and schemes of the offense, is paramount. The Yellow Jackets lost 14 fumbles last season that opponents turned into 52 points. All of those points came in Tech losses.