Orange Bowl 2014: Georgia Tech vs Mississippi State Schedule, Viewing Info, More
The names on the front of the jerseys might cause tradition college football fans to overlook the Orange Bowl, but that would be a huge mistake.
While neither Georgia Tech nor Mississippi State have been national powers in recent years, both squads have shown over the course of the season they are among the best in the country. Each are led by playmakers at quarterback with big-time talents on the defensive side of the ball as well.
These players and the schemes the coaches have put together are certain to make this an exciting matchup to watch.
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Here is a look at all the information you need to know to follow the action as well as some players you have to keep track of in this highly anticipated battle.
What: Capital One Orange Bowl
Who: Georgia Tech vs. Mississippi State
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami
Watch: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Odds (via Oddsshark.com)
- Spread: MSST -7
- Over/Under: 61.5
Players to Watch
Justin Thomas, QB, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech averaged 37 points per game this season and just about every point was thanks to quarterback Justin Thomas. The sophomore was the offense for the Yellow Jackets this year with his ability to make huge plays in every game.
Thomas ran the triple-option offense to perfection, leading the team with 965 rushing yards. Only four quarterbacks in FBS had more on the year. Meanwhile, he also kept opponents off balanced by throwing for 1,594 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.
For a quarterback who spends most of his time scrambling, these are extremely efficient numbers.
Although he couldn't carry the Yellow Jackets to a win in the ACC Championship Game against Florida State, people like ESPN's Andrea Adelson were impressed by the effort:
Defenses have to key on him more than just about any other quarterback in the nation, but Thomas can still make them pay.
Jamal Golden, S, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech has a number of talented players on both sides of the field like guard Shaquille Mason, receiver DeAndre Smelter and defensive tackle Adam Gotsis. However, one player you need to keep an eye on is safety Jamal Golden.
While he sometimes lacks consistency, Golden is someone that simply makes things happen on the field.
The safety is tied for the team lead with four interceptions to go with two forced fumbles. He and D.J. White (also with four interceptions) have combined to make a formidable tandem in the secondary, as defensive coordinator Ted Roof explained, via David M. Hale of ESPN.com:
"There’s a lot of communication and a certain comfort level right now. They both understand the defense, they know where they belong, know when they can take a chance to go make a play and when they better make sure to stay on top. The longer that happens in the back end of the defense, the better off you are.
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Additionally, Golden makes a major impact in the return game on both punts and kickoffs. The all-around game actually has the young player ranking fourth on the squad with 62.2 all-purpose yards despite not playing any offense.
If Mississippi State wants to win, it will have to keep the ball as far away from Golden as possible.
Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Although he didn't put up huge numbers as far as tackles were concerned, Benardrick McKinney always seemed to be in the right spot for Mississippi State this season.
The junior has great size at 6'5", 245 pounds and the speed to cover sideline to sideline on defense. His instincts are also among the best in the country to get to the ball in a hurry.
This makes it no surprise ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. (subscription required) considers McKinney the No. 1 inside linebacker in the 2015 draft class if he declares. Russ Mitchell of SEC14 believes this is a certainty:
Against the triple-option offense for Georgia Tech, McKinney will have to play a huge role in stopping plays from breaking for long gains. Considering how well he wraps up when he gets a chance, he seems up to the challenge.
Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
Although the season didn't end the way he might've wanted, it's hard not to be impressed with the play of Dak Prescott this season. The junior quarterback took a team that was overlooked in the preseason as high as No. 1 in the polls before eventually falling out of national title contention.
Prescott heads into the bowl season with a good shot of finishing with more than 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a season, an incredible feat for anyone. In the meantime, he still has 24 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns to show off his versatility on the football field.
Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson also was impressed by the fight he has seen from the quarterback:
This great play helped Prescott finish in eighth place in the Heisman voting, the highest mark in Mississippi State history:
Two voters even gave Prescott a first-place vote, although that might be a questionable decision. Still, this was an incredible year for the talented player, and he will do whatever he can to end the season on a high note.
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