Campus Clash
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at (11) Miami Hurricanes
Georgia Tech: It’s been a year of surprises this year in both the NFL and college football and the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech has been one of them. Coach Paul Johnson is in his tenth season and has this team in second place in the ACC Coastal division. They finished with a 9-4 record last year and are on pace to finish with another winning record once again. Their defense has surrendered 101 yards per game, which is ranked 14th best in the country and the offense isn’t too bad either, especially for what they run and they love the triple option. They’ve won three straight games and yet, people still aren’t mentioning them. They’re also a team that loves to score as they’re averaging close to 37 points a game and Ta’Quon Marshall is a very exciting player to watch. If you really think about it, Tech could be undefeated if they hold on to beat Tennessee in week one on Labor Day. Despite their game against Clemson on October 28th, this is also a really important battle because, with the win, they can sit in first place but they will have to beat the Miami Hurricanes to do so.
The U: When I previewed this division during the summer, I picked them to win it and so far, they haven’t disappointed me. Mark Richt has rejuvenated his coaching style and has the Hurricanes in a really good position right now. Their offense has done their part, the defense is one of the best in the nation, they can handle business on special teams. For years, we all wondered when the legendary football institution would be back and relevant once again, especially after years and years of struggling. I think they are finally back! One of the shining points of the season so far has been running back Mark Walton and now, he’s out for the rest of the season after suffering an ankle injury. Walton was expected to be a huge factor in the Miami offense after rushing for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns a season ago. To keep its winning ways going, they’ll face by far the best offense they’ve seen all year long in the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech Player To Watch: Ta’Quon Marshall– He’s put together quite the year so far. On Saturday, this will be the toughest defense that he will face all year long. He’s dynamic and when he gets out on the edge, he’s able to really make it happen with his feet and he’s able to scramble to each side of the pocket to make the throw. The U will have their hands full if he gets comfortable.
Miami Player To Watch: Travis Homer– He’s now the featured running back for the U’s offense for the rest of the season. He just has to be himself and everything will come to him.
Final Analysis: It’s been a nice sight to see both these universities get off to such fast starts. The winner of this one will be in really good shape, while the loser will be in somewhat of a hole. If this Tech offense gets comfortable early one and establishes itself, it will be a really long day for the Hurricanes. For the U, lots of the running game and using your tight end is essential.
Prediction: The U 31 Georgia Tech 21
