2008 Georgia Tech College Football Predictions

First year head coach Paul Johnson is hoping to take the ACC Coastal division by storm by implementing the triple-option attack that he has had so much success with at Georgia Southern and Navy. A lack of returning starters would have us believe that the Jackets are in for a down year, but an unfamiliar offense could work its magic and the Tech could be bowling for the 12th straight season. Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets predictions and season preview provide the inside scoop on the upcoming season. BodogLife.com sportsbook lists futures odds on Georgia Tech at 12-1 to win the ACC.
 

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Offense

Georgia Tech will be showing its opponent something completely different with Johnson's triple-option attack now installed. This style of offense helped Johnson's Navy teams lead the nation in rushing each of the past three seasons. It takes a QB with running ability to pull this off so naturally 2007 starting QB Taylor Bennett took his drop back passing abilities to Louisiana Tech. Josh Nesbitt and Calvin Booker are now the leading QB contenders. Nesbitt looks to be the ideal option QB having shown he can run the football least season (339 yards on 53 carries). Jonathan Dwyer, Lucas Cox, and Quincy Kelly will be asked to pound the ball between the tackles while slot backs Jamaal Evans and Roddy Jones will look to get to the outside. These guys will be looking take every option pitch to the house. The line returns in fairly good shape with four players who have had at least part-time experience. One thing to watch for is how the QB's are able to take care of the football. Tech could have a turnover problem in year one of this attack.

Defense

Tech can count on its defensive line, which ranks with Clemson's as the best in the ACC, to keep them in games. Vance Walker and Darryl Richard return at the tackles, using their run stuffing abilities to help the Jackets finish 20th in the nation against the run last season. The two combined for an impressive 25.5 tackles for loss. Senior end Michael Johnson should be poised for a big season. At 6'7'' he does a good job of getting his arms up in passing lanes. He's very athletic and showed great promise in a part-time role with four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks last season. Derrick Morgan will join him in rushing the passer from the other end spot. The rest of the defense isn't nearly as solid. Shane Brown will start at middle linebacker with Anthony Barnes and Brad Jefferson at his side. The only returning starter in the secondary, cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels will have to lead the way among a bunch of youngsters.

Special Teams

Tech took huge hits to this part of its team with the losses of kicker Travis Bell and punter Durant Brooks.

Prediction – 4th ACC Coastal

Georgia Tech will definitely be in the running for its 12th straight bowl game if the players can grasp the triple-option quickly. It takes a sure-handed QB with big play ability to pull it off and I'm not sure the Jackets have that yet with Nesbitt and Booker. Still, a strong defensive front will help take some pressure off of the offense. 4th in the Coastal is likely with a season around the .500 mark again. BodogLife.com sportsbook lists Georgia Tech's odds to win the BCS Championship at 100-1.  I like them to be better than Virginia and Duke, but not up there with Miami, North Carolina, or Virginia Tech.

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July 7th, 2008