Tech's rush meets BC's crushing defense

By MATT WINKELJOHN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 09/11/07

It is far too early in the season to refer to any game as a clash of Titans, but when No. 21 Boston College (2-0) plays at No. 15 Georgia Tech (2-0) Saturday night, there will be a heck of a collision — at least on paper.

Tech is averaging 327 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 4 in the nation, and the Eagles are allowing just 29 rushing yards per game after wins over Wake Forest and N.C. State. That ranks No. 4.

Depth at running back with Tashard Choice, Jamaal Evans, Jonathan Dwyer and even Rashaun Grant (although he hasn't played yet) means life has been good for quarterback Taylor Bennett. Only three Yellow Jackets receivers have more than two receptions.

"It means I don't have to throw the ball a lot," Bennett said. "Having a rushing attack like that, people have to respect that. They're going to start bringing safeties down in the box, and that means you're lining up more outside. Hopefully that will open up the pass game for us."

Similar to Emmitt

Florida fans may consider it blasphemy, but during discussion about Choice's decision to slow down and let blockers catch up to spring him on his 73-yard touchdown run against Samford, Tech coach Chan Gailey was asked if he'd ever had a running back whose style reminded him of Choice's (or vice versa).

He brought up an ex-Gator. "Yeah, Emmitt [Smith] was the same way," he said.

Gailey was head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and Smith, in 1998-99.

Smith left Florida with 58 school records, and had 23 rushing games in his career of 100 or more yards. This is an impossible comparison, but after his school-record ninth consecutive game of 100 or more rushing yards Saturday, Choice (110 yards against Samford) is averaging 109.6 rushing yards per start.

Choice has 12 career 100-yard rushing games despite beginning last season with totals of 54, 44, 78 and 83 yards per game. He's averaged 126.7 rushing yards in 12 games since, going over 100 11 times.


Injury update

Gailey said that right tackle A.J. Smith (elbow) and wide receiver James Johnson (leg), who did not play last Saturday against Samford, are expected to play against Boston College. Cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels, who played the first two series only, also is expected to play. Reserve running back/kickoff returner Grant (hamstring), who has missed the first two games, is expected to be available, but the status of reserve safety Joe Gaston is unclear.


Extra points

Dwyer was named ACC rookie of the week for his 138-yard, three-touchdown game against Samford. ... Tech's Sept. 22 game at Virginia will kick off at noon and will be televised on ESPNU. ... Tech has not allowed a first-half score.

If we can beat BC, we'll be in good shape for the rest of our ACC schedule.

We still have a pretty tough schedule coming up with Virginia, Clemson, Miami, and VT our ACC big games, then UGA.

If UGA can't stop the run any better than they did against USC, we should win that game.

The Jackets should be good team to watch, I like what they bring on defence.

If UGA can get back on track, this could be the first time in a while that both teams come in ranked high.

If Tech keeps winning, they could be a top 10 team by year's end.

BC and Clemson will be big tests for the Jackets IMO.

The Dawgs have too much youth and inexperience on the O-line to mount much of a threat to top ranked opponents.

Don't forget VT.

They got trounced by LSU, but they're still a decent team. LSU would have beaten anybody last weekend the way they played at home.

Tech wins this one by 20, and UGA is WAY over rated they lose at least 4 games this year, maybe 5