The ACC will take center stage again tonight when two of the frontrunners showdown for conference bragging rights. Actually, more than just conference bragging rights will be on the line for these ACC Title hopefuls when No. 20 Miami host No. 14 Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech overcame a nailbiter last week over Clemson 30-27 to keep them towards the top of the ACC Coastal Division.
However, neither team can afford to lose a game in the stacked Coastal Division that houses the likes of Virginia Tech, Miami, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina who are all ranked as the AP Top 25 this week.
Georgia Tech, led by QB Joshua Nesbitt and RB Jonathon Dwyer, operated an efficient if not explosive triple option offense, which only one year ago gashed this same Miami team for 472 yards of total offense.
Dwyer accounted for the biggest difference in the rushing attack and the Yellow Jackets' defense picked off three 'Canes passes, one of which was returned for a TD.
However, it was the talent of junior tailback Anthony Allen that stepped out of the shadow in the Yellow Jackets victory over Clemson. Allen carried the ball just five times in route to a 127 yard performance including an 82-yard touchdown run. All three of these guys will hold the key to the Georgia Tech rushing offense.
Rest assured the Hurricanes defense will zone in on the run until Nesbitt is able to make a play with his arm. A lot could ride on the arm of Nesbitt, especially if the Hurricanes are to establish the passing game as they did against Florida State.
The Hurricanes got a huge victory over rival Florida State in their opener 38-34. Miami had a breakout performance from quarterback Jacory Harris who completed 21-of-34 passing equaling a career high 386 yards.
The sophomore QB took advantage of the Seminoles secondary that flat out could not defend the pass. Considering the way the Yellow Jackets secondary looked against Clemson freshman QB Kyle Parker, Harris could have another big game.
The Yellow Jackets gave up 261 yards last week through the air and must be more disciplined in their pass defense. Miami has plenty of guys that can catch the football from Travis Benjamin, Leonard Hankerson, and even Graig Cooper who caught a big pass late in the game last week.
The Hurricanes will test the Georgia Tech defense through the air frequently until they prove they can stop the pass in hopes to take down another big opponent in the ACC. If the Hurricanes can notch the victory, they could finally start making claims at getting back towards the top of the ACC.
The Yellow Jackets have won the last four out of six meetings between the two teams.
If Georgia Tech is to continue that trend they must be able to get pressure on the young Miami quarterback with their strong defensive front. If that happens, perhaps they can force some turnovers and keep the Hurricanes offense off the field.
Miami on the other hand just needs to air the ball out. The Hurricanes passing game should find success against the Yellow Jackets questionable secondary. If they can keep the Yellow Jackets ground game from breakout plays, they match-up well to get off to a 2-0 start in the ACC.
Prediction: Miami 38 Georgia Tech 24
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