ACC Preview (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech – Last Year (9-5, 7-1), Returning Starters: 15 (7 off., 8 def.)

Georgia Tech had one of its better years last year, despite losing three in a row to end the season. However, all three loses were to teams who finished the season ranked (Georgia, Wake Forest, and West Virginia).

Offense: Reggie Ball had a good TD-int. ratio at 20:14. However, he completed a horrendous 44.4 percent of his passes. When throwing to all-world Calvin Johnson and solid receiver James Johnson, that poor of a completion percentage in inexcusable. He was academically ineligible for the Gator Bowl against West Virginia, and this year’s likely starter Taylor Bennett responded with 19-29 for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns, which had many fans wondering why he had not seen the field earlier. Bennett will likely be more consistent through the air this year, but it is true that when Reggie Ball was on, he was very good. GT returns ACC leading rusher in Tashard Choice, who rushed for 1473 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. The Yellow Jackets will have to replace their best player this year as Calvin Johnson decided to opt out of his senior year and take his talents to the NFL. However, James Johnson, who had 39 catches for 608 yards and 7 touchdowns last year, is talented and experienced enough to slightly ease the exit of Calvin Johnson.

Defense: Jon Tenuta’s defense is usually very good, and this year will be no exception. The only green starter this will be strong side linebacker Anthony Barnes, who is extremely talented. Philip Wheeler is a very good linebacker, and Strong Safety Jamal Lewis was All-ACC last year.

Special Teams: Durant Brooks is the best punter in the ACC and Travis Bell returns at kicker, and although he had a rough season a year ago, he was All-ACC two years ago. Look for Andrew Smith to return punts, and Jamaal Evans to return kicks.

Conclusion: Georgia Tech won the Coastal Division last year, and could win it again as they host Virginia Tech. There are no clear loses on the Yellow Jackets’ schedule.

S 1st at Notre Dame W
S 8th Samford W
S 15th Boston College W
S 22nd at Virginia W
S 29th Clemson W
O 6th at Maryland W
O 13th at Miami L
O 20th Army W
N 1st Virginia Tech L
N 10th at Duke W
N 17th North Carolina W
N 24th Georgia W