Espenalub's Weekly Georgia Tech Football Preview: Tech vs BC

The Jackets, AP-#15,(2-0) should get their first real test this week, in the ACC opener vs 21st ranked Boston College(2-0). Saturday night's kickoff at 8pm should bring a great game to go along with the downtown Atlanta skyline. Boston College brings in the ACC preseason player of the year in QB Matt Ryan, while Tech brings one of the nastiest defenses in the nation.  

This could be a potential preview of the ACC championship played in early December down in Jacksonville. The eagles are 2-0 in the acc, after defeating Wake Forest and NC State, respectively. While the Eagles have not played the best teams in the league, Ryan looks great, as does their defense. Tech has torn apart Notre Dame, 33-3, and Samford, 69-14. Tashard Choice has put his name in the early Heisman talks, with two performances of 100+ yards in the first two games. Tashard "The Voice" Choice, rushed for 196 vs Notre Dame, and 110 vs Samford, in only 1 quarter of work.

What Tech is looking to do 

Tech will come out early looking to run the ball down Boston Colleges throat as they have done vs Samford and Notre Dame, averaging 327 yards per game on the ground, ranking 4th in the nation. Tehc will go to Choice early and often, with Dwyer, Evans and Grant getting just a few looks. Taylor Bennett looked good last week, 8/9, with 85 yards, but does the really mean anything against Samford? According to Bennett it does,  "This is amazing. We're on a roll right now. The rushing game, it speaks for itself. I'm not sure I've seen this much chemistry and this much production this fast. It's nice."
Bennett was quoted saying this after the Samford game. Bennett will need to have a consistent day, and limit the turnovers that the ball-hawking defense of BC can make. Look for Bennett to control the game, and make the smart throws he knows he can make. If Bennett can make his throws, and let tech's skill players be the playmakers, the offense should be fine. BC Brings a zone-blitzing scheme, but Tech's veteran offensive line should be able to pick it up. Bennett should have time to throw, while Choice should find the holes, looking to lead the Jackets to victory.

What BC is looking to do

BC has brought out two very different offensive attacks to the table in their two games. In the 10 point victory over Wake, Matt Ryan couldn't be stopped. He threw for 5 touchdowns. It was a different story versus NC state, where Andre Callender ran all over, piling up 159 yards. The BC defense is all about finding the ball, and that is why they forced 7 turnovers against NC State. Neither Wake or States defense is near the caliber of Tech's defense, but supposively BC has a zone blocking scheme that should slow down Tenuta's blitz. The defense will be by far the best Bennett has seen all year, and the game could depend on how Bennett's composure is in the pocket.

My Prediction

Bennett will be the obvious X-Factor, basically just trying to control the game. While BC says they have a great blocking scheme, I don't know that any Offensive Coordinator can outsmart Tech's DC Jon Tenuta. Look for Tenuta to pressure Ryan early and often, and make BC's receivers make the plays. The WR core is inexperienced, and that could change the game. Look for Choice to run for 100+ yards for the tenth straight time, and keep his name in the heisman candidacy. Ryan could have a good day, but it doesn't look to be enough to outscore Tech's powerful running O, with Tenuta putting Ryan on his back a decent amount.

Final Prediction: Georgia Tech: 24   Boston College-13

Look Back next week for the Game Review, and the preview of Tech going to Virginia.

JE