Georgia Tech
(9-2 record; George O'Leary, 5th year) |
Notre Dame
(9-2 record; Bob Davie, 2nd year) |
School's Bowl Record: 18-8
Coach's Bowl Record: 1-0
Last Bowl Appearance: December 29, 1997 (Beat West Virginia 35-30 in Carquest Bowl)
Record in Gator Bowl: 2-2 (Beat Texas Tech 31-21 in 1965) |
School's Bowl Record: 3-9
Coach's Bowl Record: 0-1
Last Bowl Appearance: December 28, 1997 (Lost to LSU 27-9 in Independence Bowl)
Record in Gator Bowl: 1-0 (Beat Penn State 20-9 in 1976)
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Offensive Stud |
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Joe Hamilton, QB, Jr. (145-259, 2,166 yards, 17 TDs, 8 INTs): First-team All-ACC selection is one of the most electrifying players in the nation, despite his small (5' 10") stature.
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Autry Denson, RB, Sr. (251 carries, 1,176 yards, 15 TDs): Leading rusher in storied Irish history carries load even when QB Jarious Jackson is healthy.
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Defensive Stud |
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Jesse Tarplin, DE, Sr. (72 tackles, 9 sacks, 13 TFLs): Future law-enforcement officer will line up inside, outside or at linebacker. |
Bobbie Howard, LB, Sr. (118 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 INTs): Far and away the team's leading tackler, compact (5' 10", 232 pounds) inside 'backer anchors Irish defense.
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Player to Watch |
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Dez White, WR, So. (46 catches, 973 yards, 9 TDs): Tech's big-play man emerged as a star after limited role as freshman. Also averaged 26.2 yards on kickoff returns (1 TD).
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Malcolm Johnson, WR, Sr. (43 catches, 692 yards, 6 TDs): Big (6' 5", 215 pounds) target is Notre Dame passing game -- more catches than next three leading receivers combined.
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Key Stats |
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No. 13 nationally in scoring (35.5 ppg). |
Other than season-opening win over Michigan, only beat one team -- barely -- with a winning record (Purdue, 31-30).
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Surprise Stat |
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Jackets allow more yardage on defense (397.6 ypg, No. 82 nationally) than they gain on offense (388.7 ypg).
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Surprisingly mediocre finishes among NCAA leaders; only rushing offense (No. 17, 212.5 ypg) is impressive.
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1998 Turning Point |
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October 17 -- Yellow Jackets overcame a 21-point deficit to beat No. 6 Virginia 41-38, taking sole possession of first place in the ACC.
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September 26 -- Escaped with 31-30 win on pair of late interceptions and a field goal, starting an eight-game winning streak that probably would've reached nine had Jackson not been injured.
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Key to Victory |
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Stack against the run and force Irish to pass. |
Slowing down Tech's explosive offense. |
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Outlook |
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Forget about Notre Dame mystique. The up-and-coming Yellow Jackets should take this whether or not Irish QB Jarious Jackson plays; it's just a matter of how easy the victory is.
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If Jackson recovers from his sprained knee, Irish will have a shot. If not? Well, they won't.
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