Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets O:9 D:5
For the ninth straight year it looks as if the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are heading to a bowl game. In the four years he has been coaching in Atlanta he has had a winning record. The hot start they had last year broke the Auburn Tigers streak last season, but then got hammered on their road trip to Virgian Tech giving up 51 points for the loss. They did manage a victory in the Orange Bowl when they beat the Miami Hurricanes as 18-point underdogs on the road. However, in the Emerald Bowl Utah crushed them to the tune of a 38-10 beating.
14 overall starters will be returning this year, of which 9 are playing the offense. Quarterback Reggie Ball is back for his senior year after tossing for 2,165 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 picks which was six less than in 2004. His main receiving threat is also back in dominant wide receiver Calvin Johnson who had 54 grabs for 888 yards, but another wide receiver has to step up to limit the double teams Johnson sees each snap. The offensive line is rich with experience, which bodes well for running back Tashard Choice who will fill the hole left by departed PJ Daniels. Georgia Tech had the worst season for offensive production that they have seen in a decade. With all this experience back, look for drastic improvement.
On defense, the Yellow Jackets are scary in their front seven once again. They allowed a brilliant 3.0 yards per carry last season, and have been consistent with those stats for the last 6 years. No reason for change now. The secondary is the big mystery, but does boast cornerback Kenny Scott whose one of the NCAA best. Kicker Travis Bell had an off year but should rebound in 2006, and the overall special team's rankings will improve.
Georgia Tech has been a solid program for a long time now. They still possess a skilled team in 2006 that has lots of experience in most areas. But, they're schedule is a tough one once again with home games vs. Notre Dame, and Miami, and road games vs. Clemson, Georgia and Virgina Tech. They will be sure to upset one of those teams as they always seem to surprise someone every year, but a BCS Bowl looks a little out of reach. Mark down a 10th trip to the post-season for the Jackets in 2006.
