Georgia Tech right guard Shaquille Mason’s Halloween plans are neither trick nor treat.
Said Mason, “Look at the tape, study Donald.”
That’s Donald as in Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh’s formidable defensive tackle. If not BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy or Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley, Donald could be the best defensive player that the Yellow Jackets face all season. He likely will take turns lining up over Mason and left guard Trey Braun.
Donald’s 13.5 tackles for loss are tied for third in the country. Tech offensive line coach Mike Sewak said that Donald “is as good as there is.”
A two-time All-Big East selection, Donald plays with strength and power, able to hold the point of attack or bull rush to collapse the pocket.
“He’s got a good motor,” Sewak said. “You’ve heard that phrase used before, and you can actually watch it because he’s going to play faster than everybody else.”
Further, Sewak praised nose tackle Tyrone Ezell and backup defensive tackle Darryl Render. That strength up the middle will challenge Tech’s interior offensive line to create creases for the B-backs, or else have that crucial dimension of the offense shut off.
Mason, probably Tech’s best offensive lineman, isn’t thinking so much about measuring himself against Donald.
“I’m just trying to go out there and play to the best of my ability,” Mason said. “I’m just eager to play against him.”
Tech could scheme Donald by making him the read key on option plays, in which he would be unblocked and the quarterback would keep the ball or give it based on whom Donald tries to stop, effectively taking him out of the play. In theory, at any rate.
Said coach Paul Johnson, “You could (do that). Maybe that’s something to think about.”
Injury report: Injured offensive tackles Ray Beno and Morgan Bailey will not play Saturday. Nose tackle Shawn Green also probably will not play, Johnson said. Defensive back Lynn Griffin is uncertain. Griffin took a hard hit to the head covering a kickoff against Virginia last week. Earlier in the game, Griffin popped a 59-yard kickoff return, Tech's longest of the season. Coaches want Griffin returning kicks, but could turn to Jemea Thomas otherwise.
Backup defensive end Roderick Rook-Chungong probably is out for the season after having knee surgery. The injury, not an ACL tear, happened two or three weeks ago, Johnson said.
Pitt middle linebacker Shane Gordon, whom Johnson praised this week, may not play with a collarbone injury suffered in the Panthers’ game Saturday.
Festivities: As part of Tech's homecoming celebration, the Mini 500 tricycle race will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by the Freshman Cake Race at 6:30 a.m. Saturday. The Ramblin' Reck Parade will start at 8 a.m.
The Tech men’s basketball team also will hold an exhibition game at 8 p.m. Friday at McCamish Pavilion against Young Harris.
Tech is 49-15-1 all-time in homecoming games and has won 15 of its past 17.
He said it: "They're really good. Up front, they're active and they play fast. They're explosive, they'll hit you and their secondary plays with confidence; part of that is because they have some guys up front that can put some heat on you fast. They're explosive and very good on offense and deserve all of the accolades they get, but defensively, I think they're playing really well and will be one of the better defenses we face." — Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst on the Tech defense
Etc.: Johnson has shortened practices this week, which he typically does as the season advances. Johnson said practice has "been OK." … The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, Tech's fourth time on that network this season. The broadcast team is Tom Hart (play-by-play), John Congemi (color) and Dawn Davenport (sideline). Congemi played quarterback for Pittsburgh and was the successor to Dan Marino. Earlier this season, former Tech quarterback Tom Luginbill was the sideline analyst for the Tech-North Carolina game. … The honorary captain for the game will be Bill Curry, Tech's team captain in 1962 and head coach from 1980-86.
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