With kickoff just a few hours away, there really is nothing new left, to put out there. So here we go…
Georgia Tech
Offense- Many around the college football world have equated “new math” when it comes to the GT offense. They figure addition because of subtraction to help this team. This means that many have deducted GT to be better off without Reggie Ball, who regressed every year since his freshman year, and improved with new starter Tyler Bennett. While this may be true, please keep in mind that Bennett had great numbers in the bowl game in place of the suspended Ball because of SUPERFREAK Calvin Johnson. No more Calvin, means no premier option to throw to at WR… that we know of. They also have an extremely talented running back in Tashard Choice. Although the Irish held Choice to only 54 yards last year, he did improve and became the ACC’s leading rusher. The O-Line may have some question marks and may be out a few starters with injuries.
Defense- The Tenuta led defense is a good one. Last year they kept Irish legend, and the incarnation of the Thunder god-Thor, Brady Quinn to a fairly average game. This year they should blitz even more with an inexperienced signal caller for the Irish. Phillip Wheeler leads the way for the Yellow Jackets and runs their defense as well as any LB in the country. The biggest weakness is at the corner positions with big play written all over them… provided we keep Wheeler off the QBs ass. The D-line is small, but quick. If ND wants to over power GT, they should be able with their size advantage.
Special Teams- GT has an All-American at punter in Durant Brooks. He could be critical in the field position game.
Fighting Irish
Offense- ND will probably be using a power running game to exploit GT’s weaknesses in size up front and to protect their young QB (If the rumors are true on the net… it will be Demetrius Jones). ND has a stable of backs in Thomas, Aldridge, Jabbie, Allen, and Hughes and don’t forget about the 2 fullbacks Schwaap and Schmidt. We should see a vast majority of the 7 see quality playing time. ND will need a big game from John Carlson receiving the ball. He’s cool. Wide receiver has been a question mark all preseason, but Weis like the guys he has. Grimes and West are small but quick, while Parris and probably Kamara will see quality time when we need a jump ball. Watch for a stronger, more physical, nastier offensive line from the Irish this year. Have paramedics standing by.
Defense- With the new 3-4 scheme put in place by new DC Corwin Brown, look for the Irish to play more aggressive on this side of the ball. No more calculus before the snap. I’m really excited about Darrin Walls beating out Wooden for the corner spot opposite Lambert. This give the Irish their first REAL CB tandem since Walton and Duff… and this may turn out even better. The real key will be Pat Kuntz and his NT position. Kuntz must hold down the fort and give Crum, T. Smith and company some space to make the necessary plays. ND should get a better pass rush out of this years team despite losing Abiamiri. The new D allows for a more creative blitz package and can be disguised better than a conventional 4-3. Zibby should be back to 2005 form, hence making big plays. The question mark will be Bruton and his pass coverage skills. He is athletic and fats, but how’s his head?
Special Teams– ND will counter Brooks with their own big-booter, Geoff Price. Who will emerge as a consistent place kicker? I don’t know, but I’m sure Weis will keep a short leash on them. Also keep keen ryes on our return game. Zibby will be deadly again this year and we now have some fresh fast legs returning kicks in freshman Armando Allen and Golden Tate…SHAZAM!
Overall
Tech lost Johnson and only scored 10 points on our horrible defense in Atlanta last year. Welcome to South Bend and welcome to the Corwin Brown era on defense. He should do to our defense what Weis has done to our offense. If ND plays power ball and the QB makes as few mistakes as possible, chalk it up as a “W” baby.
Subway Domer Says: 31-13 Irish
Mitch Says: 24-0 Irish (Mitch is a contributor to SD and is now related by marriage. He boldly predicted blowout wins versus USC the past 2 years… so bow down)
GO IRISH
