ACC - Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech
Skinny - This is my first "going out on a limb" pick. Georgia Tech finished last season 9-4 with only 3 losses in the ACC. Thats a pretty impressive feat considering the complete overhaul of the offense by new coach Paul Johnson. This can be seen as a two-way street. For one, one can say that the first time a team sees an offense is the hardest to defend it, but on the other hand the Georgia Tech players now have a full year of experience in the system and can execute better. I'm leaning towards Georgia Tech taking a step forward instead of back with the return of QB Josh Nesbitt, back Jonathan Dwyer, and back Roddy Jones. Besides the bowl game, Georgia Tech lost to Virginia Tech by 3, Virginia by 7, and North Carolina in their only bad ACC loss by 21. The North Carolina loss was a result of losing the turnover battle 3-0. I feel Virginia Tech is being overrated and North Carolina has farther to go than Georgia Tech does in terms of two programs on the rise.

Strength - Backfield
Nesbitt, Dwyer, and Jones all return for Georgia Tech and opposing defenses better be ready for an intense running game. The line returns the three interior lineman, which all returning lineman are extremely helpful in a type of offense not typical to the college football game. Last year the lineman struggled in a change of systems, but that didn't prevent Dwyer and Jones from having big seasons on the ground. With a more experienced and seasoned line, expect even bigger rushing outputs from the two backs. The return of Nesbitt is also crucial to the team's success, as the team didn't play as well when he was injured. The barely beat Gardner-Webb 10-7 as a result of his injury. The offense should be able to improve on their 74th ranked scoring output from last season, but stat watchers should also keep in mind a triple option offense eats considerable minutes off the clock, shortens the game, and as a result allows for fewer plays and statistics.

Weakness - Defensive Line
The Defensive Line loses Vance Walker, Michael Johnson, and Darryl Richard (Johnson landing on last seasons first team All-ACC list and Walker on the second team), but returns second team All-ACC defensive end Derrick Morgan. Its past Morgan where the question marks begin. Losing three potential NFL lineman is never easy. Games are won and lost in the trenches and defense starts with the DTs, as the DTs give way to pressure by the DEs, which opens up the play for the linebackers, and makes the job easier for the defensive backs as the quarterback has less time to dissect the defense. Ben Anderson seems slotted for one tackle spot, while the other should be a battle between freshman T.J. Barnes and sophomore Jason Peters. The other end spot appears to be Robert Hall. If the 3 that step into the starting positions prove their worth, it could be a big season for the Jackets potentially ending in an ACC title.

Key Game - 10/10/09 @Florida State
A win over Florida State would give the Yellow Jackets some confidence going into a game the following week against division foe Virginia Tech and the next week against a team that beat them last year in Virginia. Georgia Tech must take 2 out of 3 of these games, if not all 3 to have a chance at the ACC championship game.

Key Player - Ben Anderson
The former South Aiken player must step up on the defensive line despite his small frame (6-2 274). Replacing Vance Walker will not be an easy task, but it is necesary if the Yellow Jackets want to remain in the top 30 nationally in scoring and total defense. Ben Anderson will not have the luxury of playing next to an experienced tackle, so his job will not be made any easier.

Impact Freshman - Stephen Hill

Predicted ACC finish - 1st (Coastal)

Top 5 Players
1. BB Jonathan Dwyer
2. S Morgan Burnett
3. DE Derrick Morgan
4. AB Roddy Jones
5. LB Sedric Griffen

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