Weather X-Factor in Georgia Tech Game |
CLEMSON - Forget the high scoring, wild finishes for just a moment.
After all, if today's Georgia Tech visit to Clemson (Noon, ESPN) turns out to be another roller-coaster ride, no one will be surprised. But which way the tide turns could come down to an intricate chess match: Tech's multiple offense, with its dangerous blend of pass and run, against Clemson's suddenly resurgent defense, fortified by coordinator John Lovett's knack for developing schemes and disguising coverages. After watching film of Clemson's first two games (Georgia, La. Tech), new Yellow Jackets' head coach Chan Gailey seemed to have a firm understanding of why the Tigers' defense has been so successful, allowing just 166 rushing yards so far this season. "From what I've seen, Clemson looks fast," Gailey said. "They have very good team speed, including the up front guys on both sides of the line, especially the inside guys on defense. "They are using an eight-man front and are attacking the run very well. Their linebackers can all run and those guys are really active players. They use a lot of disguises in their packages." Therein lies lies one of the keys to today's matchup. If Clemson's defense can slow Tech's running game and force Gailey's troops into a one-dimensional attack, then Lovett's varying looks could serve to confuse quarterback A.J. Suggs, just as they did Louisiana Tech's Luke McCown a week ago. But Tony Hollings, the Yellow Jackets' tailback, has been magnificent through two games. Granted, he and Georgia Tech were playing against less-than-formidable competition in Vanderbilt and UConn, but the numbers are impressive nevertheless. Hollings has rushed for 297 yards in two games, despite having but one carry in the second half. In fact, few of Tech's offensive starters have played more than the first half in each blowout victory, meaning Gailey's offense has yet to show the entire playbook. "Right now the biggest question mark is that Georgia Tech has not been challenged and not had to show its hand," Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden said. "We've had two 60-minute games and we've had to play every card. There might be some doubt and indecision on our part because we know that they are holding something back." That something could very well be backup quarterback Damarius Bilbo. Bilbo is expected to see significant playing time today, but in more of a "slash" role than behind the center. The fact that Georgia Tech closed its practices to the media this week only served to fuel speculation that something special was in the works. "We know about him," Bowden said. "We've got to be aware of Bilbo when he's on the field." But even with all the scouting and stragegy, the X-factor today could be the weather. Forecasters are calling for anywhere from 2-to-6 inches of rain by this evening and through the night. How much of that rain falls before and during the game could play havoc with the Death Valley playing surface. Though in reasonably good shape for the opener a week ago, the recently redone grass surface came loose in large chunks on more than one occasion, and that was bone dry. Add a significant amount of rain to the field, and who knows what the damage might be. Then you throw out all of the above. Whoever has the best mudder wins the game.
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
