Dan Scott: Georgia Tech - Clemson Prediction |
OFFENSE
Georgia Tech returns George Godsey, Kelly Campbell, Kerry Watkins and a cast of other playmakers talented enough to scare the dickens out of most defensive coordinators. Will three weeks between games cause any rust in that well oiled machine? Clemson's offense has been limited in its effectiveness because of both opposing schemes, playing softer to negate quarterback Woody Dantzler's running, and turnovers. Dantzler was pulled from this game a year ago because of his ineffectiveness. ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech. DEFENSE Two years ago, Georgia Tech's defense was a young group which gave up big plays and points aplenty. Now they're a veteran group and solid in all phases, and gave Dantzler fits last year. Right now Clemson's defense is a young group which gives up big plays and points aplenty. ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech. SPECIAL TEAMS Both teams' punters have a net punting average of 37.7 yards, and both field goal kickers are 2-of-3 on the season. The Yellow Jackets average 25.6 yards per kickoff return, Clemson 25.2. Tech averages 11.1 yards per punt return, while Clemson allows just 5.2 yards per return. Clemson also has a slight advantage in kick return yardage allowed. ADVANTAGE: Clemson COACHING This one solely based on results and continuity in the program. ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech Based on sheer numbers, there's little reason to think Clemson can keep this game close enough to have a shot to win in the fourth quarter. Yet somehow they do, coming up just short. Is this the game we see Willie Simmons? THE PICK: Georgia Tech, 35-27. Pregame Notes Date: September 29, 2001 Kickoff: 3:43 PM Site: Grant Field, Bobby Dodd Stadium (41,924) Expected Attendance: Sold Out Live TV: ABC (Sean McDonough, Ed Cunningham, Leslie Gudel) Series Record: Georgia Tech leads 43-20-2 Last Meeting: Georgia Tech 31, Clemson 28 at Clemson, 2000 Last Meeting at Tech Georgia Tech 45, Clemson 42 in 1999 Clemson Rankings: 25th in USA Today, unranked in AP Tech Rankings: 9th in AP, 11th in USA Today Clemson Injury Summary *Kevin Youngblood (WR)-broken leg, out *Jackie Robinson (WR)-broken jaw, out *Marcus Houskin(FS)-broken neck, out *Altroy Bodrick (LB)-torn ACL, out *Roscoe Crosby (WR)-bruised knee, questionable *Matt Bailey (WR)-pulled hamstring, questionable *J.J. McKelvey (WR)-sprained knee, questionable *Travis Zachery (RB)-bruised foot and knee, questionable *Jovon Bush (DT) -bruised bone in foot, questionable *Nick Eason, (DT)--sprained ankle, questionable *Eric Meekins (FS)-pulled hamstring, will play *Ben Hall (TE)-sprained ankle, will play *Keith Kelly(RB)-sprained knee, questionable *T.J. Watkins(OT)-sprained ankle and knee, questionable *Chad Jasmin (FB)-sprained ankle, will play *Tony Lazzara (PK)-pulled groin muscle, questionable Lineup News Braxton K. Williams will start at free safety. If Nick Eason can't play, Donnell Washington will start in his place at defensive tackle. If Jovon Bush can't play, DeJuan Polk will start in his place. Neither Washington, nor Polk have ever started a game. Other Notes Nine of the last 11 games in the series have been decided by four points or less. Tech has won the last four games by exactly three points. Each of the last five games have been decided by exactly three points. Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler needs 61 yards of total offense at Georgia Tech to become just the third Clemson quarterback in history to reach 6000 yards of total offense. Related Articles
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