UGA-Tech preview

Sports

UGA-Tech preview

The first order of business for Georgia when it plays Georgia Tech Saturday is to stop Tashard Choice.

Task at handGeorgia is aware of how close the Tech game has been the past three years. And for those who weren't aware, the first thing coach Mark Richt did this week was read the scores to remind them. Georgia has won by six, seven and three. Georgia didn't manage more than 266 yards in any of those games. But quarterback Matt Stafford dismissed those numbers. "Nobody is really worried about stats," he said. "We are just worried about getting W's."

Slow Choice downThe first order of business for Georgia, like any other team that plays Georgia Tech, is to stop Tashard Choice. Last year he had 146 yards. "You hate to say it, but sometimes 140 yards rushing against you isn't so bad," Richt said. "If they get a total of 140 yards rushing and nothing really broke your back, that's not such a bad day for the defense."

Running wildGeorgia has rushed for an average of 200 yards the past four games. Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey, like Richt, knows the team that controls the ground will most likely win. The problem is Knowshon Moreno, like Tech's Tashard Choice, is difficult to control. "He runs with reckless abandon," Gailey said. "I don't mean that recklessly by not taking care of the football. He plays the game extremely hard and he is very impressive to watch."

Sack attackIn its last four games Georgia has 50 percent more sacks than it did in the first seven games: 12 in the first seven, 17 in the past four. That turnaround has been keyed by defensive end Marcus Howard. The senior had just one sack in the first six games and now leads the team with 7.5.

Miller adjustsUnlike with Howard, it took Georgia three years and 10 games before it decided to move linebacker Brandon Miller to defensive end. Miller was moved out of the linebacker corps to make room for faster players. Miller has taken the move in stride. He has also made some strides on the field in just one game. Miller had 10 snaps at defensive end last week and could get a couple more this week.

Ready to playGeorgia believes it has a chance to play in the Sugar Bowl or the national championship game played one week later, also in New Orleans. "That's not the focus for our team right now," said safety Kelin Johnson. "Our focus is Georgia Tech. Our focus is taking care of Georgia Tech. If we lose to Georgia Tech you all won't even be worrying about the winner of the Kentucky-Tennessee game."

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Task at handGeorgia is aware of how close the Tech game has been the past three years. And for those who weren't aware, the first thing coach Mark Richt did this week was read the scores to remind them. Georgia has won by six, seven and three. Georgia didn't manage more than 266 yards in any of those games. But quarterback Matt Stafford dismissed those numbers. "Nobody is really worried about stats," he said. "We are just worried about getting W's."

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