What bettors need to know: Miami at Georgia Tech
Canes come in with the head of steam.
Miami Hurricanes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-3, 40.5)
Head to Head
Georgia Tech holds a 9-4 lead in the all-time series. Tech has won seven of nine, including three in a row. The only other teams to win three in a row against Miami over the last thirty years are FSU, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame.
Tech comes in with twelve days of rest off a bye last week while Miami has had the usual seven days to prepare after playing last Thursday.
Thursday Night Lights
Georgia Tech has played on Thursday night every year since ’93 but has lost five of its last seven.
The Jackets are going up against a Miami team that is 13-1 all-time on Thursday night after last week’s win over Virginia Tech.
The Situation
Miami comes in on a five game winning streak and it controls its destiny in the Atlantic Coastal division. A win over Tech and then at NC State next week would seal the deal. Also, a win in this game coupled with a North Carolina loss on Saturday would send the Canes to Tampa for the ACC Championship game.
Georgia Tech has an uphill battle in the division. Although it trails Miami by only one game in the loss column with a 4-3 league record, its 1-3 record in the division will make it difficult to win the necessary tie-breakers.
Still, the game is extremely important for both teams in terms of beefing up their bowl prospects.
ATS
Tech comes in 5-2-1 ATS. After covering its first five of the season the Jackets are on an 0-2-1 run over the last three.
Miami is 5-4 ATS.
First you Get the Talent, Then you Get the Experience, Then You Get the Wins
Although the defense has been the driving force behind the current five game win streak, the young offense is improving.
Freshman QB Robert Marve has settled down nicely, throwing no picks against Virginia Tech and only two over the last four games after giving it away eight times in the first six.
RB Graig Cooper has been a steady performer leading the team in rushing TDs and second in receptions.
The unit should get a further boost this week with the return of LT Jason Fox and WR Travis Benjamin from injury.
Lesson Number One: Don’t Underestimate the Option
The Yellow Jackets option attack is ranked eighth in nation in rushing averaging 251 yards per game. However, they have not moved the ball nearly as well over the last few games.
Injuries have been a concern, most notably the loss of All-ACC OT Andrew Gardner for the season. Tech is also banged up at the QB position with starter Josh Nesbitt nursing an ankle injury. While his status remains up in the air, coach Paul Johnson has said he expects Nesbitt to play.
The team would be well-served by getting explosive WR Demaryius Johnson more involved in the offense. The leaky pass protection, though, has made it difficult to get the ball downfield.
Say Hello to my Little Friend: The Miami Defense
Tech’s top-10 rushing offense will be going up against a Canes defense that is ranked 10th nationally itself and very solid against the run.
Miami was outstanding last week holding Virginia Tech to 77 yards rushing. Freshman DE Marcus Robinson led the way with three sacks and seven tackles, including four for a loss.
The young unit will have to play disciplined football against Tech, as Miami has not gone up against an option attack in several years, much less this season or last.
You Wanna Play Rough? Okay. Tech D Can Play Rough Too
The solid Yellow Jacket defense is led by DEs Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan, both of whom have great size and quickness.
“They’ve got four guys up front who do a great job of causing havoc,” Miami coach Randy Shannon said. “It’s going to be challenge for our offensive line to make sure they stay focused. You may have a negative play here and there, but stay focused and don’t get discourage because we’ve a long time, four quarters of football to play.”
Tech should also benefit greatly this week from the return of CB Jahi Word-Daniels, the only senior in a young secondary.
Lesson Number Two: Kick the Ball High, Let Special Teams Supply Field Position
Miami kicker Matt Bosher, a semi-finalist for the Lou Groza award, could be a key in helping the team establish a field position advantage. Bosher averaged 42 yards a punt on five attempts last week with a long of 45. He was also 3 for 3 on field goal attempts, making him 16 for 18 on the season.
Line Moves
Tech opened as a 3.5-point favorite, moved up to 4 and then back down to 3.5 before settling at 3.
The over/under opened at 40 and has moved up to 40.5.
