Friday, September 02, 2005
AU Preview: Georgia Tech
I apologize for the lateness of this preview. I was waiting for sources with some actual insight that never appeared. Now I'm stuck choosing between the superficial ESPN preview of the game and the utterly useless stats from the official Auburn "preview." So, I apologize both for the lateness and the lack of depth in this preview. I'm useing the ESPN preview seen here as my main source, it is not Insider material.
Basically, the only things worth talking about here are things about Georgia Tech, as I can't find anything about Auburn that I haven't already put into my initial season preview.
GT offense vs Auburn defense
You may remember QB Reggie Ball from the pathetic showing by Auburn in the 2003 game at Georgia Tech. He's the speedy guy who killed us with his scrambling. Fortunately for Auburn, our defensive strengths (DL, LBs) now counter his running ability, and he has been so questionable throwing the ball (so he can't touch our potentially weak secondary in man coverage) that GT is seriously considering giving a FRESHMAN playing time over him. If either QB can get the ball to standout WR Calvin Johnson, it seems likely that he can beat anyone on him in man coverage. Expect to see some double-teaming in obvious passing situations.
Auburn offense vs GT defense
The totality of what I have found on GT's defense - they had a good defense last year statistically, the have 8 starters back, and they're fast. No idea how they are on the run-vs-pass spectrum. Speedy LBs would be a serious problem for the rushing attack, but unlikely to be able to handle tackling Auburn's TEs or large WR, Anthony Mix after completed passes. Speedy DL would be good at getting pressure on the QB, and bad at standing up to the run. I just don't know, and that pisses me off royally.
Jason's Prediction
If the GT defense is as good as the numbers, expect a rocky start for the newbies on Auburn's offense. The home crowd and the defense are our best hope for a solid showing.
Auburn 17, Georgia Tech 13
EDIT - The game is to be broadcast nation-wide on ESPN at 7:45 Central time. Thought that might be worth noting. I need Spring Practice previews, or something. I'm rusty!
Basically, the only things worth talking about here are things about Georgia Tech, as I can't find anything about Auburn that I haven't already put into my initial season preview.
Quarterback Reggie Ball may be challenged by freshman Taylor Bennett and will have to regain the form that made him 2003 ACC Rookie of the Year if Georgia Tech is to have any success. He needs to improve on a 49.7 percent completion rate from a year ago, then hope running back P.J. Daniels' recovery from in-season knee surgery goes well.
Bell's job should be made easier by sophomore wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who had 837 receiving yards and seven TDs last year.
The defense returns eight starters from a formidable unit that showcases speed. End Eric Henderson is the best of the bunch but must stay healthy for a defense that ranked third in the conference in fewest yards allowed.
GT offense vs Auburn defense
You may remember QB Reggie Ball from the pathetic showing by Auburn in the 2003 game at Georgia Tech. He's the speedy guy who killed us with his scrambling. Fortunately for Auburn, our defensive strengths (DL, LBs) now counter his running ability, and he has been so questionable throwing the ball (so he can't touch our potentially weak secondary in man coverage) that GT is seriously considering giving a FRESHMAN playing time over him. If either QB can get the ball to standout WR Calvin Johnson, it seems likely that he can beat anyone on him in man coverage. Expect to see some double-teaming in obvious passing situations.
Auburn offense vs GT defense
The totality of what I have found on GT's defense - they had a good defense last year statistically, the have 8 starters back, and they're fast. No idea how they are on the run-vs-pass spectrum. Speedy LBs would be a serious problem for the rushing attack, but unlikely to be able to handle tackling Auburn's TEs or large WR, Anthony Mix after completed passes. Speedy DL would be good at getting pressure on the QB, and bad at standing up to the run. I just don't know, and that pisses me off royally.
Jason's Prediction
If the GT defense is as good as the numbers, expect a rocky start for the newbies on Auburn's offense. The home crowd and the defense are our best hope for a solid showing.
Auburn 17, Georgia Tech 13
EDIT - The game is to be broadcast nation-wide on ESPN at 7:45 Central time. Thought that might be worth noting. I need Spring Practice previews, or something. I'm rusty!
