But to football - tomorrow at 3:30, the Jackets take on the Criminoles from Free Shoes University (ABC on TV). A big game for both schools no doubt, as a win by either team will lock up a bowl bid.
Losing the Streak
FSU comes in having won 12 straight against Tech, the most recent being a 14-13 win in Tallahassee, in which the Jackets blew a 13-0 fourth-quarter lead. The last time Tech beat the Noles was a 30-0 win in 1975 in Atlanta. CPJ himself noted that he was a senior in HS the last time Tech notched a win against the Bowden-ators. Both teams are very different from the two teams that met in September of 03 (Reggie's freshman year along with Ernie Sims (Lions LB) for the Noles). Should FSU win tomorrow, Tech will have another chance to win next fall in Tallahassee (but let's just take of business tomorrow, ok?)
Win one for the Gipper?
In what very well could be Bobby Bowden's last year in Tallahassee, the Noles have compiled a very respectable 6-1 record up to this point (for reference's sake, they've finished 7-6, 7-6, and 8-5 in the last three years) and are currently ranked #15 in the BCS. A win in Atlanta would certainly be a huge "program" win, but would also be big for what might be Bowden's last year. With Clemson, BC, @Maryland, and UF left on the schedule, a Noles win would put them in a position to finish at least 9-3 and probably lock up a spot in Tampa to represent the ACC Atlantic.
No "W" in "Schedule", but there is only one "L"...
Splitting Tech's season into thirds, the Jackets clearly are in the toughest third of their schedule. The first and second thirds resulted in 3-1 records each, and a 3-1 record in this last third would be nothing short of incredible. FSU is definitely no doormat, but things only get worse from here, with a Thursday night game in mid-November sandwiched between road trips to Chapel Hill and Athens. I don't think Tech will lose them all, but to avoid that, Tech could use the confidence boost provided by a win this weekend.
QB Controversy: Part II?
All over campus this week, many emotionally-driven students have been calling for CPJ to play Shaw a lot more this week, some even saying that if he was in, we would've had a better shot to beat UVA. I respectfully disagree. Though the two fumbles on Saturday really hurt, Nesbitt has made plays all season that I'm not sure Jaybo makes. His athleticism essentially won us the game at BC in early September. CPJ has stated that Shaw might get one or two series in, but if Nesbitt is effective, expect him to play the whole game. Like they say, two qbs = no qb.
Injury Bug
Both teams have been hit with tough injuries. FSU could be without their top two RBs, who are still questionable. Tech is still without senior CB Jahi Word-Daniels, and backup CB Dominique Reese, who has had an INT in three straight, is also questionable after sustaining a head injury last week against the Cavs. The Noles will also be without their #2 WR, Corey Surrency, who has been suspended by Bowden for tomorrow's game.
Third down and...fourth
The Noles defense currently leads the nation in 3rd-down defense, allowing a measley 17.4% of their opponent's third downs to be converted successfully, which is first by around eight percentage points. On the flip side, Tech is converting a respectable 40% of their 3rd downs, good enough for 60th in D1. If Tech isn't able to get solid yardage on first and second down, it's gonna be a long day offensively for the Jackets.
Prediction
This one really is a toss-up. A very even matchup on paper. Two very good defenses, and two offenses still looking for week-to-week consistency. Nothing sticks out that says one team has a solid advantage over the other. But the home factor comes into play here. I don't think Tech loses two in a row at home, not under CPJ. He's been beating up the defense all week (who by the way missed a whopping 30 tackles last weekend) and I think they'll come out with an attitude tomorrow. I see Tech winning 23-21, with the bunny being the difference-maker.
Obama the Candyman?
Check out this audio-only video of Obama-nomics in action...Halloween style:
No comments:
Post a Comment