Georgia Tech must control FSU running game
Posted: Thursday October 22, 1998 09:13 AM
Coming off its huge win over Virginia, if Georgia Tech controls the run against Florida State on Saturday, it can control its own destiny in the ACC. But that's easier said than done.
With no individual stars on defense, the Yellow Jackets rely on schemes. In fact, coordinator Randy Edsall told me this week, "We're not talented enough to play a vanilla defense."
The key here for Tech is stopping the run on first down to force the Seminoles into their 3-receiver set. Then Tech can employ its 3-3-5 scheme, which features roving defensive end Jesse Tarplin blitzing on every play to keep the pressure on Chris Weinke. But if Florida State is successful running the I-formation, Georgia Tech's schemes will be useless.
Afer Virginia generated 600 total yards against Tech in a losing effort, I like FSU to overwhelm the Jackets with its offensive balance.
Golden Bears loaded in secondary
After holding off Oregon last week, UCLA travels up the coast to take on Cal.
Surprisingly enough, even with Heisman candidate Cade McNown at the controls, Cal wants to force UCLA to throw the ball. And defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich told me the reason is that the Golden Bears are loaded with talent in the secondary.
But Cal's defensive front 4 is small. In fact, the nose guard weighs only 240 pounds. So look for the Bruins to run until the safeties start cheating up to help. Then McNown will use play action to burn the secondary.
I like UCLA.
Corby Jones 100 percent for first time
It's a rematch of the Fantastic Finish, when Missouri plays Nebraska.
Last year, Matt Davidson's improbable last-second touchdown catch propelled the Cornhuskers to another National Title.
Missouri offensive coordinator Jerry Berndt told me that quarterback Corby Jones will be 100 percent for the first time this year. And Nebraska hasn't proven it can control the line of scrimmage defensively. So look for the Tigers to pound the football with 1,000-yard rusher Devin West, then mix in the option with Jones.
The Cornhuskers think they're back on track after spanking Kansas last week, but Kansas is dead last in the Big 12 in rushing defense, a far cry from the Missouri defense that held Oklahoma to 247 total yards last week.
Plus, quarterback Bobby Newcombe is still battling a knee injury that forces him to miss the first two practices every week. Not an ideal situation.
I like Missouri to pull off the upset.
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