PHOTO: ESPN.COM
LINE: GT -1 (O/U 54)
It seems as if all is right in BC world again. Jurkovec is back under center and the Eagles got back in the win column last weekend. With the fan base now having a completely different outlook on the rest of the season than it did just a week ago, Saturday’s game might be exactly the type of game everyone expected to see more of after the 4-0 start.
Let’s take a look at how and why BC should win pretty easily today…
THREE DEFENSIVE KEYS
1.) Assert dominance up front
You may not realize it, but the Eagles have the third best defense in the ACC from a points per game perspective (18.8) while the Georgia Tech offense ranks ninth in the ACC. The defensive line made life miserable for Virginia Tech last weekend and needs to do the same this weekend. The secondary is banged up but still did a fine job in coverage against the Hokies. Still, they could use the help from pressure up front again today.
2.) Neutralize Jeff Sims
Dual-threat guys have given BC issues and we’ve got another one to watch today. Sims is averaging 240 years per game in the air and 56 on the ground since returning from injury a few weeks ago. I don’t think he’s capable of hurting BC as much as other guys have in the past, but at this point you can’t take anything for granted.
3.) Slow down Jahmyr Gibbs and wrap up
Gibbs is probably the best weapon and maybe the only true weapon for Georgia Tech. Gibbs is 10th in the ACC with 591 yards which isn’t a gaudy number, but he does average 5.4 yards a carry. Tackling will be big today otherwise BC could give up a few long runs to this kid, his longest on the season thus far is 71 yards, the second longest in the conference.
THREE OFFENSIVE KEYS
1.) Keep getting the kinks out, but don’t turn the ball over
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Jurkovec admitted after the VT game and even earlier this week he still isn’t where he’d like to be in terms of “back to normal” but it’s going to take some time. The Georgia Tech defense has given up 37 points per game in its last five games. Jurkovec should have a nice bounce-back day, but just can’t hand them the ball with bad decisions.
2.) Run, Run, Run
While it COULD be a big day for Phil and the receivers if BC decides to air it out, the Eagles might be better off running the ball. Pat Garwo has clearly shown what he’s capable of and both Travis Levy and Alec Sinkfield have done enough to show they’re good change of pace guys. The Yellow Jackets have given up 200+ yards of rushing in the last three games, don’t be surprised if you see a fourth.
3.) Let Zay loose
Flowers had a big game against Syracuse and showed flashes of bringing the chemistry back with Jurkovec last week. Jurkovec is still finding that rhythm with all of the receivers again, but it feels like Zay should be able to get loose on one or two of those deep posts today and do some real damage. Don’t be shocked when he’s getting a few extra carries on jet sweeps today too.
PREDICITION: BC 42, GT 13
I think this Eagles team is as confident as ever and you can feel how much the Jurkovec return energized the locker room. Georgia Tech is absolutely reeling and BC is still fighting for bowl eligibility and that 8-win possibility. I believe today’s the day you get the most complete performance of the season from the Eagles.