Though they won’t go against each other until Thursday night when Miami hosts Georgia Tech, Hurricanes offensive tackle Jason Fox has already stoned Yellow Jackets defensive end Derrick Morgan once.
During ACC Kickoff media days in Greensboro, the two players advanced through a video game tournament featuring EA Sports’ NCAA Football 10 on Xbox 360.
Morgan, playing Georgia Tech, was beaten by Fox, playing Miami, on two late scores.
It’s still a sore spot for Morgan.
“He kind of got lucky playing in the game,” Morgan joked. “It’s time to get revenge this week.”
All kidding aside, their matchup will be one to watch.
Morgan already has five sacks this season while Fox is considered one of the best tackles in college football. He protected quarterback Jacory Harris’ blind side in the Hurricane’s 38-34 opening victory over FSU. Harris passed for 386 yards and was sacked once.
Morgan said the key to attacking Fox will be found in the film room. He said that’s been the key to his success so far.
“It comes down to studying your opponent,” Morgan said.
Tech coach Paul Johnson said that the Fox-Morgan matchup “will be worth the price of admission.” He said that they will likely move Morgan around the line of scrimmage, as they did against Clemson, to try and create matchup advantages.
Other than Morgan, only Julian Burnett and Robert Hall have sacks this season — 1/2 each — which is a coaching concern.
“It’s going to be huge as we get more and more into the season,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to find a way to get pressure with some other people.”
Johnson said junior defensive end Anthony Egbuniwe showed some signs of growth last Thursday against Clemson, which may take pressure off Morgan.
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