Every team has games where they’re expected to win but are somehow upset. Sometimes it’s because they look past those teams, sometimes the other teams want it more or sometimes it’s just a bad game for the favored team. In this post, we’ll look at the potential upsets in the ACC. Continue reading
Tennessee – With their comeback win over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, the Vols secured their second conference title, first since 2006. UT has posted some nice wins this year, including one over the Dutch National Team. Including the SEC tourney, the Vols have now defeated LSU, Auburn and Georgia three time each. Continue reading
>Georgia Tech vs. Air Force
If you like running attacks, this is the game for you. Georgia Tech and Air Force are the nations No. 1 and 2 teams in terms of rushing, with the Jackets rushing for 327 ypg, while the Falcons rush for 318. The teams combined for 299 pass attempts.
The Yellow Jackets, however, could be without their most versatile threat. Quarterback Joshua Nesbitt broke his arm against Virginia Tech on Nov. 4 and it’s uncertain if he’ll be ready to play. Sophomore Tevin Washington has filled in, but he hasn’t been as productive.In nine games, Nesbitt, a first-team All-ACC selection last year when the Yellow Jackets won the conference, is second on the team with 737 rushing yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns. He’s also passed for 674 yards and seven scores. Washington, meanwhile, rushed for 289 yards and three touchdowns while passing for 292 and two scores.
Luckily for Georgia Tech, running back Anthony Allen has stepped up his game as of late, averaging over 138 ypg the last four games. He has rushed for 1,225 yards and six scores on the season. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Yellow Jackets will be without leading receiver Stephen Hill, who was one of four players declared academically ineligible. Hill had 15 receptions for 291 yards and three touchdowns.
Unlike Georgia Tech, Air Force seems to be peaking at the right time. The Falcons have won three in a row by a combined score of 125-65. They closed the regular season with a 35-20 victory at UNLV on Nov. 18.
Air Force is led in rushing by junior Asher Clark, who ran for 1,001 yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Tim Jefferson has a team-high 15 rushing touchdowns and 769 yards on the ground.
The Falcons also could have another threat if Jared Tew is be cleared to play. He suffered a broken fibula against San Diego State on Oct. 16 after rushing for 540 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.
>Michigan-Ohio State
The annual match up between the two Midwest state schools has been held at the end of the regular season since 1935 (with exceptions in 1942, 1986, and 1998). Since 1918, the game’s site has alternated between Columbus, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has been played in Ohio Stadium since 1922 and Michigan Stadium since 1927. Through 2009, Ohio State and Michigan have decided the Big Ten Conference championship between themselves on 22 different occasions, and have affected the determination of the conference title an additional 26 times.
The inaugural meeting between Ohio State and Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1897 resulted in a lopsided victory for Michigan, with the Wolverines posting a 34–0 win over Ohio State’s Buckeyes. The first game foretold a long Michigan winning streak, with Michigan winning or tying every match from 1897 to 1912 and thereby compiling a 12–0–2 record before the contest was postponed for several years. The Ohio State Alma Mater “Carmen Ohio” was written on the train ride home to Columbus following the 1902 contest, which saw Ohio State losing to Michigan, 86–0. The lyrics and melody (Spanish Chant) have remained largely unchanged since its conception.
The 1950 contest, known as the Snow Bowl, is perhaps the most famous game in the rivalry. Eighth-ranked Ohio State was scheduled to host the game on November 25 in Columbus amidst one of the worst blizzards on Ohio record. The Buckeyes, who led the Big Ten, were granted the option to cancel the game against Michigan, which would have, by default, given the Buckeyes the Big Ten title outright and won them a trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. Ohio State refused, and the game was set to be played. Amid howling snow and wind, in what was probably the most literal example of a “field position” game, the teams exchanged 45 punts, often on first down, in hopes that the other team would fumble the ball near or into their own end zone. Ohio State’s Vic Janowicz, who would claim the Heisman Trophy that year, punted 21 times for 685 yards and also kicked a field goal in the first quarter for the Buckeyes’ only points. Michigan capitalized on two blocked punts, booting one out of the back of the end zone for a safety and recovering another one in the end zone for a touchdown just before halftime. Despite failing to gain a single first down or complete a single forward pass, Michigan gained a 9–3 victory, securing the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth.
While Michigan leads the series 57–43–6, OSU has won the last six meetings.
Florida-Florida State
The University of Florida has fielded an official varsity football team every season since 1906, with the exception of 1943. Although Florida State College (one of the predecessor institutions of Florida State University) sponsored a varsity football team from 1902 to 1904, the Florida Legislature converted Florida State College into the Florida Female College, the state’s new all-women’s college in 1905. The college’s name was changed to “Florida State College for Women” in 1909, and it remained so until the college became co-educational in 1947, when the modern Florida State football team was established.
Almost immediately, Florida State’s football coach, players and students began calling for the Gators to play the new Florida State football team. The University of Florida, however, was reluctant to treat Florida State as an equal. A proposed bill mandating that Florida play Florida State in football and other sports was proposed in 1955 but was voted down in the Florida Legislature. However, Florida Governor LeRoy Collins asked president J. Wayne Reitz of the University of Florida to schedule a yearly football series between the two state universities, and the two schools’ athletic directors eventually negotiated a contract that started the football series in 1958.
In an otherwise unremarkable game coming in to this 8th annual contest between the burgeoning rivals, this game established the rivalry in full due to the controversy that surrounded its outcome. In a tight contest, UF led the Seminoles late in the game, 22-19. FSU had the ball at the Gator 45 yard line with 17 second left in the game. On first down, wide receiver Lane Fenner entered the game in place of FSU’s star receiver Ron Sellers. FSU quarterback Gary Pajcic took the snap, Fenner got behind UF defenders, and Pajcic lofted a pass to Fenner in the front corner of the end zone for what appeared to be a game-winning FSU touchdown. However, referee Doug Moseley signaled that Fenner did not have control of the ball before rolling out of bounds and ruled the pass incomplete
UF ended up holding on for a 22-19 win, but the controversy heated up after the game when photos that apparently showed Fenner making the catch in the endzone were published in state newspapers. Debate over whether or not the play should have been ruled a touchdown continues to this day.
The Gators lead the overall series 33–19–2, though have only had an 18–17–1 record against the Seminoles since Bobby Bowden became FSU’s head coach in 1976.
Utah-BYU
The University of Utah (Utah) and Brigham Young University (BYU) have a longstanding athletic rivalry that encompasses several sports. The annual college football game is frequently referred to as the Holy War. In the 1890s, when BYU was still known as Brigham Young Academy, the two schools started competing athletically. Both schools were founded by the LDS church, have significant percentages of LDS students and faculty as well as many historical and customary affiliations with Mormonism such as LDS institutes and dry campuses. As much as religion is a common historical foundation for the rivalry, it has also been a source of animosity and many have sought to downplay the aspect of religion. BYU (aka “the Y”) is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“LDS or Mormon Church”). The University of Utah (aka “the U”) is a public state-owned school. Because this rivalry includes a “church vs. state” dimension, many fans of both schools use it as a forum to vent deeply held feelings and perceptions.
Utah claims that the football rivalry began in the late 19th century, when Utah played the Brigham Young Academy six times between 1896–1899. BYU does not count these games in their official records, since it was not then known as BYU, but BYA. Furthermore, BYU claims that the first of those football games, a 12–4 Utah victory in April 1896, was in actuality a practice-scrimmage to prepare for the following fall season. But whether or not the game meant anything to the schools at the time, it certainly meant a great deal to the fans. At the end of the match, a fight broke out between fans of the two schools.
Georgia-Georgia Tech
The two schools are separated by 70 miles (110 km) and have been heated rivals since 1893.
The first known hostilities between the two schools trace back to 1891. The University of Georgia’s literary magazine declared the school’s colors to be “old gold, black, and crimson.” Dr. Charles H. Herty, the first UGA football coach, felt that old gold was too similar to yellow and that yellow “symbolized cowardice.” Also in 1891, a student vote chose old gold and white as Georgia Tech’s school colors. After the 1893 football game against Tech, Herty removed old gold as an official school color. Tech would first use old gold for their uniforms, as a proverbial slap in the face to UGA, in their first unofficial football game against Auburn in 1891. Georgia Tech’s school colors would henceforth be old gold and white.
The game has been played 104 times according to Georgia Tech and only 102 times according to Georgia record books. Georgia discredits two games in 1943 and 1944 (both years in which Georgia Tech won) because many of their players went to fight in World War II, though official college football records include the games.
The record between the two teams is 60 Georgia wins, 39 Georgia Tech wins, and 5 ties.
>Georgia Tech (1-1) at North Carolina (0-1)
This is a game featuring two teams who are both looking to get back on track. Tech lost last week at Kansas and the Heels are trying to get back to their winning ways after suffering a heart-breaking loss to LSU in Week One. The Jackets feature a nice 1-2 running punch in Josh Nesbitt and Anthony Allen. The two spearhead an attack that is second in the nation in rushing yards per game with 332 yards per game. Nesbitt leads the team with 163 yards and five touchdowns, while Allen averages nearly seven yards per carry. North Carolina is led by quarterback T.J. Yates, who threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns. Jheranie Boyd leads the team with six catches for 221 yards. He had 12 catches for 214 yards as a freshman last season.
Georgia Tech wins if...it can control the time of possession and play its stingy defense while running their attack to perfection.
North Carolina wins if…it can continue to overcome the loss of six defensive starters. Al Groh, GT’s new defensive coordinator, has been known to shut down the Heels so how they respond will be something to look for.
Arizona State (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)
This will be the first true test for the Sun Devils, as they travel to the always-tough Camp Randall Stadium. Their offense is led by the quarterback-running back combo of Steven Threet and Cameron Marshall. Threet, a Michigan transfer, has completed 47-of-70 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns, but has also thrown three interceptions. Marshall has 14 carries for 132 yards and four touchdowns.
The Badgers come into the game after defeated UNLV and San Jose State in their first two games. Despite being known for their running game, quarterback Scott Tolzien has put up some impressive passing stats, completing 30-of-42 passes for 388 yards and one touchdown. The team already has two players, John Clay and Montee Ball, who have rushed for over 100 yards. Clay leads the team with 260 yards and four touchdowns, while Ball has 110 yards and two scores.
ASU wins if…it can continue to throw the ball around. The Wisconsin defense is tougher than the Devils’ first two opponents, but if Threet is on the same page with his receivers, they may be able to pull the surprise.
Wisconsin wins if…it rushes the ball like it has been. The Sun Devils have given up 149 rushing yards per game to two FCS schools, so if the Badgers are on their game, it might be a long day for the ASU defense.
Clemson (2-0) at Auburn (2-0)
The game at Auburn not only marks the first true test for the Tigers, but also starts a rough stretch of games, where four of five teams played in bowls and either are or have been ranked this year. The offense has been pretty balanced between the passing game and the running game. Quarterback Kyle Parker has thrown for 283 yards and four touchdowns. The rushing load has been split amongst Jamie Harper, Andre Ellington, Roderick McDowell and Daniel Barnes. Ellington leads the way with 133 yards and three scores.
Cameron Newton has come in and run this offense in perfection. The quarterback has thrown for 322 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for 241 and two more. His rushing total is almost 100 more yards than the next leading rusher.
Clemson wins if…it contains the Auburn rushing game and gets a balanced game from all their players. Shut Newton down and you have a good shot at the win.
Auburn wins if...they shut down the Clemson rushing game, which averages nearly 230 yards per game. If Auburn’s own rushing attack is on, it might also be a long day for their opponents. Either way, look for a shootout.
Iowa (2-0) at Arizona (2-0)
The Hawkeyes are coming off of a big win against in-state rival Iowa State and are only giving up seven points per game. Ricky Stanzi seems to be on a mission, completing 71 percent of his passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns. He has been aided by a running game anchored by Adam Robinson. Robinson has 265 yards and four touchdowns on the year, while averaging seven yards per carry.
The Wildcats come into the game undefeated as well, and have one of the most prolific defenses and offenses in the country. The team is second in points allowed per game, with four per game and is averaging 47 points per game good for 12th nationally. The team is led by quarterback Nick Foles, who has completed 83 percent of his passes for 579\4 yards and three touchdowns.
Iowa wins if…their defense is able to shut down the Arizona passing game, which is eighth nationally.The Wildcat defense hasn’t really been tested, so it’s up to the Hawkeyes to give them a good battle.
Arizona wins if...Foles continues to sling the ball around. The defense, ones of the best in the nation, will have to stop the balanced attack of Iowa
> The 2009 season was one of firsts for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. It marked their first-ever BCS appearance, first outright ACC title since 1990 and their first-ever win in Tallahassee against Florida State, amongst other feats. Despite losing some key pieces to the team, the Jackets will be looking to make it back to the lofty heights they did last season.
Offense – The Ramblin’ Wreck has adapted to Paul Johnson’s spread option offense by producing the highest rushing totals in school history the past two years. Half of that outstanding duo, quarterback Josh Nesbitt, returns after running back Jonathan Dwyer left for the NFL. In fact, their 295.4 rushing yards per game was the highest in the ACC and second-best in the nation. Their total offense (442 yd/g) and scoring offense (33.8 ppg) totals were both best in the ACC and 11th best in the nation.
Nesbitt returns for his senior season after rushing for 1,037 yards in 2009. His rushing total was the highest for a quarterback in Tech history and second highest in ACC history. His 2,069 career yards rushing make him the most prolific rushing quarterback in Tech history and ranks him second in ACC history. Despite only attempting 162 passes and completing 71, Nesbitt threw for 1,701 yards and 10 touchdowns. Combining his rushing and passing totals, Nebitt accounted for over 2,700 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Despite losing their leading rusher in Dwyer, the team does return some experienced backs in Anthony Allen and Marcus Wright, each of whom played in all 14 games last season. Allen returns from last year’s spot at the A-back position after rushing for 618 yards and six touchdowns. Wright was Dwyer’s main backup and rushed for 190 yards and three touchdowns. Allen will look to combine with Nesbitt to become the second consecutive Jackets to each rush for over 1,000 yards after Dwyer and Nesbitt did it last year.
Unfortunately for Nesbitt, his favorite target in 2009, Demariyus Thomas, left for the NFL, leaving a very young wide receiver core for the upcoming season. Last year’s second and third-leading receivers return, but they combined for only 14 catches and two touchdowns. The coaches feef that Stephen Hill has to be a star.
Defense – The defense got a major overhaul in the offseason, bringing in three new coaches, including defensive coordinator former Virginia head coach Al Groh. Groh brings in a new system however, as he favors the 3-4, so it will be interesting to see how the team reacts to the change.
The linebacker and defensive back units comes back as the strongest parts of the defense. The linebackers are led by Brad Jefferson and Steven Sylvester, who finished first and eighth in tackles, respectively. Jefferson racked up 95 tackles, including eight for loss and had two forced fumbles. Sylvester was in on 40 tackles, four for loss and three sacks.
The defensive backfield returns three of four starters from last year squad, including both cornerbacks. One of those corners, Jerrard Tarrant, was a pain for opposing receivers after coming up with 58 tackles, which was fourth on the team. He also added a tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and a team-high six passes broken up. His partner across the field, Marcus Butler, wasn’t far behind him in all of the stat categories either. Butler finished with 45 tackles, four and a half for loss, two interceptions and three passes broken up. Mario Edwards returns at one safety spot after starting the last five games of the year. He contributed to the cause with 36 tackles and two passes broken up.
The defensive line also returns three starters, including both tackles, Ben Anderson and Logan Walls, as well as end Anthony Egbuniwe. Walls led the returnees with 25 tackles, three for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Egbuniwe was right behind him with 19 tackles, two and a half for loss, one and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Anderson was in on 15 tackles, five for loss and two sacks.
Recruiting – The Yellow Jackets bring in 18 kids in this year’s signing class, including 14 from Georgia. They bring in a bunch of studs of defensive studs, including two linebackers and a defensive back. Jeremiah Attaochu had a monster senior season where he had 118 tackles and 14 sacks. They stole Quayshawn Nealy out of Florida after he had 121 tackles (85 solo), 25 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five sacks. Corner Louis Young comes in after being ranked in the top 20 of cornerbacks nationally by both scout.com and rivals.com. One offensive player to keep an eye on is Tony Zenon, who finished his senior season with 2,264 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns.
Schedule – Georgia Tech starts the season with a home game against South Carolina State before going on the road for consecutive games at Kansas and North Carolina. Three of the next four games are as home as they host N.C. State, Virginia and Middle Tennessee State. They travel to Wake Forest between the N.C. State and Virginia games. The team’s next five games will most likely be their toughest stretch as they travel to Clemson, Virginia Tech, host Miami and Duke, before finishing the season with their annual rivalry game against Georgia, this time in Athens.
Michael Wojtychiw 