Because you’ve probably already read all about it, I’m not going to wax poetic on the intricacies of defending against the triple option. (And while we’re on the triple option, I have a question. If GT has been running this thing for the last few years, and Navy ran it for the last however many Paul Johnson was there, then why does everyone insist on acting like it’s brand new? It’s like needlessly scaring the crap out of me. So stop it.)
Here’s what I know about Georgia Tech, and how our games go. We can play really close games in which we are almost guaranteed to lose, but somehow pull out a win (see Bryan Randall, circa 2004). We can play games where we just come in and blow their doors off (JerseyGate 2007, the 2005 beatdown) and we can play games that we win by good fortune and some ill advised turnovers on their part (last year).
What will this year be? Obviously, I’d love a good old fashioned woodshed type slaughter, mainly to shut up this guy:
Bobby 3 months ago
Virginia Tech is overrated and Georgia Tech is underrated. Georgia Tech’s offense will be drastically improved versus the Georgia Tech team that Virginia Tech played last season on September 13th 2008.
The amount of GT fumbles should be much less in year two of the Paul Johnson era. Furthermore Georgia Tech has many more solid running backs now then they did in early 2008 so expect more yards/game and every back getting touches not just Dwyer.
I don’t believe for one second that Georgia Tech will ever “take to the air” if they get behind. This is actually somewhat humorous. Georgia Tech is a running team like Texas Tech is a passing team, they just don’t deviate from that regardless of what happens.
(Just a comment I got on a Bleacher Report article that’s bugged me for months now. I especially find it interesting because their wide reciever, Demaryius Thomas, has over 600 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. But they don’t pass.)
But, I don’t exactly see that type of game happening on Saturday. I still do think that the Hokies have the superior talent, especially defensively, which is where this game will probably be won. It’s probably not realistic to think that we are going to completely shut down GT’s offense, but I know that our defense has been preparing hard for this game,and that Bud Foster has been strategizing about it for months.
I say this game will be won by the superior defense, and not because I think the Rambling Wreck (and what the heck kind of name is that anyway?) has anywhere near the defensive prowess that we do. Their defense has been pretty much all over the map this year. I say it will be won by the superior defense, because I’m hoping that our offense will continue the trend of performing at a high (well, high for VT anyway) level, and make their defense continue to look dazed and confused. If we can adjust to whatever look Paul Johnson is going to have the defense put on this week, then we can win this game. If we can’t make adjustments, we’re going to keep their offense on the field, and give them a greater chance to pull off a big play.
I’m excited about this game though. I’m still nervous about every game, and have been for the last, well, 7 years or so, but, I’m excited. It’s time to put a stop to the triple option talk forever. Let’s do it. Let’s go.
Hokies 34, Yellow Jackets 17
I feel your pain on everyone acting like GT runs some kind of space-age offense. I know some people will argue the point until the end, but it won’t change the fact that flexbone is nothing but a souped-up wishbone (in much the same way the “wildcat” is just the old single wing). Paul Johnson just does a great job getting the most out of it.
bud fosters defense will knock the stingers right off those bee butts! bring on the triple option, i dare you!!