No. 14 Georgia Tech at No. 20 Miami
by Alan Matthews
It’s only the third week of the college football season, but Thursday night’s ESPN game between Georgia Tech (2-0) and Miami (1-0) is key in the ACC’s Coastal Division.
The Hurricanes, who are 4.5-point favorites on JustBet, are in the midst of the toughest opening four-game stretch in college football this season. UM went up to Tallahassee and upset Florida State last Monday, and they follow this game with tough matchups against Virginia Tech and Oklahoma. That’s four ranked teams and four conference contenders in four weeks for Randy Shannon’s club. Thus a win here guarantees Miami not only at worst a 2-2 start but gets it to 2-0 in the conference and a potential tiebreaker with the Yellow Jackets.
Georgia Tech, which has won four in a row against UM, looked uneven in its opener and then beat Clemson, 30-27, in Atlanta last Thursday. But not all was well with that victory. The Jackets led 24-0 but let Clemson come all the way back and take a 27-24 lead. Plus, Tech QB Josh Nesbitt completed just 3-of-14 passes, and that isn’t going to cut it against Miami, which is better rounded than Clemson.
Because of Nesbitt’s struggles, Miami might put 10 guys in the box. That’s because the Canes were gashed for 472 rushing yards by Georgia Tech in a 41-23 victory last year; that was the second-most yards on the ground UM has ever allowed. Certainly having seen the triple-option once before and having a few extra days to prepare this time should benefit the Hurricanes.
While Tech, led by Jonathan Dwyer, leads the ACC with 318 rushing yards per game, Miami’s defense limited Florida State to 110 yards on the ground despite also getting pounded by the ground game by FSU last year. Plus, the Canes should get back one of their top defensive linemen, Eric Moncur, after he missed the opener with an injury. Safety Vaughn Telemaque and cornerback Ryan Hill also are expected to play after missing the Seminoles game.
Shannon says the biggest factor is Dwyer and limiting his big plays. The reigning ACC Player of the Year had a 74-yard TD run in the opener and a 58-yard scoring scamper last year against Miami.
“If he happens to get into the open field, we have to get him down for a 10 or 12 yard gain and then line up again,” Shannon said.
Another possible advantage for UM is that it will be playing just its second game of the season and off 10 days rest, while Georgia Tech will be playing its third game in 13 days.
In addition, UM quarterback Jacory Harris looks like a different player than the kid who split time with Robert Marve last year. He had 386 yards passing and two touchdowns against FSU, along with nine pass plays of at least 20 yards. And the Canes have another Devin Hester-type all-around threat in Travis Benjamin, who caught four passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. However, the ground game wasn’t effective against FSU.
Miami wins this one by a touchdown.
Georgia Tech at Miami, Fl.
By Christian Alexander
It’s always curious to me how one play can sway the oddsmakers opinion of a team. Case in point: What if FSU QB Christian Ponder's pass to sophomore Jarmon Fortson had been caught instead of dropped, resulting in a Seminole win over Miami in Week 1 of the season? Now granted, that’s one pretty big play, but I do wonder if Fortson had caught the ball would Miami still be a 4.5 point favorite over Georgia Tech this Thursday night?
Something in my gut tells me a 0-1 Hurricanes team would be favored by 3 instead of 4.5. I guess we’ll never know but it is good food for thought as we start to size up this Thursday night’s game. For the second straight week we are in ACC land and once again get the opportunity to check out the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Last week Tech sprinted to a 21-0 lead over Clemson, thanks largely to a couple special teams plays, only to watch the Tigers come all the way back to tie the game and even take the lead. In the end however, QB Josh Nesbitt made a couple of timely throws to get Tech into field goal range and the Ramblin’ Wreck won 30-27. As always with Paul Johnson teams, the ground game was a big part of the win, evidenced by their 300 yards rushing against Clemson, which was the fifth straight regular-season game they eclipsed that mark.
A win is always great but head coach Paul Johnson will surely be looking at plenty of tape to try and patch up some holes that Clemson found in the Georgia Tech defense. Clemson redshirt freshman QB Kyle Parker, making only his second college start, threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns last Thursday. You can be sure that somewhere in South Florida, Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris was watching. Watching and smiling I would guess.
Miami is buzzing again about the ‘Canes and Harris is a big reason why. The sophomore signal caller was making only his third career start, and he shredded Florida State for 386 yards and two TDs and showed great ability to escape pressure (one sack). Harris spread the ball around to eight different receivers with WRs Travis Benjamin and Leonard Hankerson leading the way.
Of course, while Johnson and his staff will be busy getting his defense ready, you can bet that Miami coach Randy Shannon will be doing plenty of the same. Miami certainly remembers the 2008 meeting between these two programs when the Yellow Jackets ran for 472 yards en route to a 41-23 victory.
And that likely tells the whole story of this game. As everyone knows by now, Georgia Tech has a powerful ground game with quarterback Josh Nesbitt and running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen, a transfer from Louisville who flashed some serious speed with an 82-yard scoring run against Clemson. If Miami can make adjustments to stop the Yellow Jackets on the ground, the Hurricanes will likely win this game and head into next week’s monster showdown against Virginia Tech riding high.
On the other side, Miami has now proven they have a multi-faceted passing attack that must be respected. If the Georgia Tech defense can get effective pressure on Harris and cause the Hurricanes passing attack to falter, the Jackets could escape South Florida with a win.
So in a game that is seemingly all about offense, it will really be up to the defenses to decide the outcome.
Two key players for Georgia Tech will be:
DE Derrick Morgan: The junior has five sacks in two games so far in 2009. Miami will likely double team Morgan but he will have to find a way to put pressure on Harris in order to get the QB out of rhythm.
QB Josh Nesbitt: Everyone knows Nesbit can run the triple option. But everyone is also finding out that Nesbitt has a hard time burning defenses with his arm. The junior was just 3-of-14 for 83 yards with two interceptions against Clemson. If Miami loads the box to take away the run – and wouldn’t that make sense? – Nesbitt will have to prove capable of throwing the ball down the field or it will be a long night for Tech.
Two key players for Miami will be:
RB Graig Cooper: Miami RB Javarris James gets more pub – mainly because he is Edgerrin’s cousin – but make no mistake, Cooper is the most valuable back for Miami. The junior doesn’t always put up huge rushing totals – he only had 31 yards on the ground against FSU – but he catches a lot of balls out of the backfield and is a special teams terror – returning five kickoffs for 177 yards against the Noles.
LBs Colin McCarthy, Sean Spence & Darryl Sharpton: This group was burned in 2008 by the Georgia Tech rushing attack and all eyes will be on them this time around to see if they have learned how to defend the triple option attack. It’s no exaggeration that these three players will have more to do with the outcome of this game than anyone wearing a “U” on their helmet.
Georgia Tech vs. Miami Thursday Night Factoids
# Georgia Tech is 11-11 in Thursday night ESPN games
# Miami returns 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense
# Georgia Tech returns 10 starters on offense and 8 on defense
# Georgia Tech leads the all-time series between these two schools, 10-4
# Georgia Tech is 6-2 in games decided by four points or less in coach Paul Johnson's tenure
VegasInsider.com
Game of the day: Yellow Jackets at Hurricanes
By Matt Fargo
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Miami Hurricanes (-5.5, 54)
Miami’s new found passing attack
Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris had a breakout game against Florida State. He went 21-34 for 386 yards and two touchdowns. He did toss two interceptions, but looked very comfortable and he showcased his strong arm.
The key for him this week will be protection. He was sacked just once against the Seminoles, but the quarterback depth is thin behind Harris.
The Yellow Jackets have six sacks so far this season, but five of those have come from defensive end Derrick Morgan.
“We’ve put in some new defenses that’s going to get it stirred up,” Georgia Tech middle linebacker Brad Jefferson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I think we’ll get some pressure on [Harris] and see what he can do with it.”
Yellow Jackets' ground game
The Yellow Jackets racked up 472 rushing yards against Miami last year, which was the second most ever allowed by the Hurricanes. The Jackets rushed for 301 yards on 49 carries (6.1 ypc) against Clemson last Thursday.
Miami allowed just 109 yards on 30 carries (3.6 ypc) against Florida State, so it may be more up to the task this season.
Time off
Georgia Tech played last Thursday while Miami hasn’t played for two weeks. The extra time to prepare for the Jackets’ unique triple-option offense should benefit the Hurricane.
“It's a big benefit because you get the opportunity to practice more than two to three days on an offense that's unusual to most teams you face throughout the country,” Miami head coach Randy Shannon said.
Fifth time’s a charm?
The Hurricanes have lost both straight up and against the spread in each of their last four meetings versus the Yellow Jackets. Miami players are well aware of their inability to beat their ACC rival and believe Thursday night will end the streak.
“Georgia Tech has beaten us for the past four years,” Harris told reporters. “Everybody on this team has been beaten by Georgia Tech. Nobody has won against them. That’ll be a sour taste if we don’t come out with a victory.”
Line movement
Miami opened at -4 and is up to -5 and -5.5 at some shops. One book did sport a -6 but that might not be out there for long. The total has remained steady at 54.
Injuries
Miami is dealing with a lot of injuries that could keep some players out. None of those players are projected starters with the exception of wide receiver Aldarius Johnson, who is questionable with a hamstring injury.
The good news is that Miami will be getting back three starters on defense. Cornerback Ryan Hill, safety Vaughn Telemaque and defensive end Eric Moncur are all expected back after missing the Florida St. game.
Weather
It’ll be hot and humid with a chance of a thunderstorm. The high is expected to be around 83 degrees at game time.
ACC kicks off Week 3
By Brobury Sports
The Miami Hurricanes and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets kickoff Week 3 of college football on Thursday night.
Miami (ranked 20th) has jumped from a 4.5-point home favorite to 5.5. The Over/Under is 54 points and ESPN will have the broadcast starting at 7:30 pm ET.
Georgia Tech (GT) is the higher ranked team at #14 despite being the underdog. They have dominated this matchup of late, winning the last four straight-up (SU) and ATS.
The game last year was one for the record books as Georgia Tech piled up an amazing 472 yards on the ground while passing for only 46. They were only three-point home favorites and easily covered with a 41-23 final.
GT (2-0 SU, 0-1 ATS) has opened up with wins over Jacksonville State and Clemson. The latter was last Thursday night at home and they barely held on for a 30-27 win.
GT was up 24-0 before giving up 27 unanswered points. A field goal with under one minute remaining sealed the win, but Clemson got the cover as five-point dogs. Coach Paul Johnson is not happy his team let up last week, but he’ll take the win.
The Yellow Jackets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games. They’re 5-1 in their last six games as a road underdog.
Miami’s defense vs. Clemson’s running game
Miami (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) had the week off after beating Florida State 38-34 back on September 7th. That game was an ‘instant classic’ and showed that the Florida teams will be a factor in the conference this year.
The Hurricanes have a very fast defense that still remembers the debacle of last year. The 472 rushing yards let up was the second most in Miami history and it cost them a trip to the ACC Championship Game. The ‘Canes will be far more ready for the ‘triple option’ attack this time around.
Led by running back Jonathan Dwyer and option quarterback Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech leads the ACC in rushing with 318 YPG. Miami’s defense held Florida State to 110 yards on the ground so something has to give.
The Miami offense also has a primetime performer in sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris as he had 386 passing yards against FSU. Throw in a solid running attack and they’ll have the more balanced offense in this game.
However, Miami is only 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite between 3.5-10 points. They’re 13-32-1 ATS in their last 46 home games.
(14) Georgia Tech (2-0, 0-1 ATS) at (20) Miami, Fla. (1-0 SU and ATS)
The Hurricanes return to the field for the first time since their thrilling Labor Day victory at Florida State as they host Georgia Tech in an ACC Coastal Division showdown at LandShark Stadium.
Miami held off the Seminoles 38-34 as a six-point underdog on Sept. 7, surviving when Florida State’s fourth-and-goal pass in the end zone barely fell incomplete as time expired. QB Jacory Harris, battling through an arm injury sustained in the second half, had a solid game, going 21-for-34 for 386 yards with two TDs and two INTs. The Hurricanes, who had lost their final three games of 2008 (1-2 ATS), rolled up 476 yards on offense, but the defense surrendered 403 (109 rushing).
Georgia Tech jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the first 20 minutes of last Thursday’s game against Clemson, then gave up 27 unanswered points before rallying with two late-fourth-quarter field goals to pull out a 30-27 victory. The Yellow Jackets, who failed to cover as a five-point home favorite, had 418 yards (301 rushing), but they went just 3-for-14 on third down, and the defense surrendered 386 yards (261 passing).
Georgia Tech ran roughshod over Miami in last year’s 41-23 rout as a three-point home favorite, gashing the Hurricanes for 472 rushing yards on 56 carries (8.4 yards per rush) as the Jackets raced out to a 41-10 fourth-quarter lead. One bright spot for Miami was Harris, who came off the bench and went 13-for-18 for 162 yards with two fourth-quarter TD passes (and one INT).
Going back to 2005, Georgia Tech has won four straight in this rivalry both SU and ATS, including a pair of narrow victories in South Beach (14-10 as a 19-point underdog in 2005 and 17-14 as a two-point pup in 2007). The winner has gotten the cash in all six meetings this decade, with the visitor going 4-2 SU and ATS.
The Yellow Jackets have now failed to cover in five of their last seven marquee Thursday matchups, and they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five after a SU victory. On the bright side, Georgia Tech is on positive ATS runs of 6-1 on the road, 6-2 as an underdog, 12-4-1 as a road underdog), 4-1 in September, 15-6 after a non-cover and 8-2 when catching between 3½ and 10 points on the highway.
Despite the upset victory at Florida State, Miami sports nothing but negative ATS trends, including 13-32-1 at home, 20-43-1 as a favorite, 10-31-1 as a home chalk, 1-10 when laying 3½ to 10 points, 8-18-1 in ACC action, 8-23 after a spread-cover and 3-13 after a bye week.
Georgia Tech topped the total in last week’s win over Clemson, but the team is still on “under” runs of 4-1 on the road, 27-10-1 as an underdog, 19-7 as a road pup and 15-6 on Thursday. Similarly, the ‘Canes carry “under” streaks of 37-18-1 at home, 9-3 on Thursday, 4-1 against winning teams and 12-4 after an ATS triumph. Finally, the under is 4-2 in the last six meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA TECH and UNDER
Gametimepicks.com
Yellow Jackets invade Miami
By AllStar.com
Three days after opening the 2009 season with a 38-34 win at No. 18 Florida State, the 20th-ranked University of Miami football team returned to the practice and began to focus on No. 14 Georgia Tech. Miami, 1-0, produced perhaps the most impressive win by an ACC team this season. The Hurricanes won on the road at then-nationally-ranked Florida State on Labor Day, 38-34. The `Canes overcame a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Seminoles.
The Yellow Jackets, 2-0 overall, won their first two games and will be playing their first road game of the season. Georgia Tech's win over Clemson last Thursday was memorable. The Yellow Jackets raced to a 24-0 lead by scoring touchdowns on an 82-yard run, an 85-yard punt return and a fake field goal. The Tigers roared back to take a 27-24 lead. Scott Blair’s 36-yard field goal with 57 seconds left provided the winning margin.
Quarterbacks: Jacory Harris drew the nation’s attention with his 386-yard, two-touchdown performance in last week’s 38-34 win at Florida State. He etched his name into the UM record books, tossing for the 10th-most passing yards in a single game in school history with the 386 yards through the air against the Noles. Harris demonstrated coolness under fire in making his third career start and was sacked only once.
Josh Nesbit is a nice quarterback for his gimmick flex-bone offense, but he can be contained. If Miami’s defense can force Nesbitt to throw the ball and not let him run like they have a real shot at winning. Nesbitt threw for just 3-for-14 for 83 yards and threw two interceptions in Georgia Tech's 30-27 win over Clemson on Thursday night. Nesbit is 9 of 25 passing for 224 yards and 1TD and two interceptions throwing the ball. Nesbit is the driving force of the wishbone; he is an electric runner who is averaging 5.75 yards per carry and a touchdown. The Yellow Jacket offensive line has not allowed a sack this season.
Running Backs: Graig Cooper scored the eventual game-winning touchdown against FSU on a 3-yard run to put the `Canes up 38-34 with 1:53 to play. Earlier in that fourth quarter, Cooper scored his first receiving touchdown of the season, catching a 24-yard touchdown pass from Jacory Harris. Javarris James is a very productive back up.
Georgia Tech leads the ACC this season with 318 rushing yards per game. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 128 yards on just 10 carries in the first half, including a 58-yard touchdown run. Junior Anthony Allen stepped out of the shadow in the Yellow Jackets victory over Clemson. Allen carried the ball just 5 times in route to a 127 yard performance including an 82 yard touchdown run. Nesbit, Dwyer and Allen will hold the key to the Georgia Tech rushing offense this Thursday.
Wide Receivers: Miami wide receiver Travis Benjamin had one of the best receiving performances in recent UM history, catching four passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Benjamin, Leonard Hankerson, and even Graig Cooper can all catch the ball and the Hurricanes will test the Georgia Tech defense through the air frequently until they prove they can stop the pass.
Demaryius Thomas caught three passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Tech might not pass that often (27 attempts through two games) but the Yellow Jackets are averaging 25.4 yards per completion. Anthony Allen has a 25 yard touchdown reception out of the backfield.
Defensively: Defensively for the Canes, cornerback Brandon Harris led the charge with a game and career-high nine tackles (three solo), in addition to breaking up two passes against the Noles. Veterans Colin Mc McCarthy (eight tackles) and Randy Phillips (six tackles, INT) also had big performances in the opener. The Canes young defense flies to the ball, they makes big hits and big plays and they are a very young group that is only going to get better as the season goes on.
The Yellow Jackets have not allowed a rushing touchdown this season and have allowed just one rushing play of 20 yards or longer. Georgia Tech junior defensive lineman Derrick Morgan was dominant in Thursday night's 30-27 victory Clemson. He recorded 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and a team-best 10 total tackles. Morgan, who earned the honor one time in 2008, is tied for the NCAA lead in tackles for loss (6.5 for the season) and is tied for second nationally in sacks (5.0).
Special Teams: Georgia Tech Jerrard Tarrant leads the nation in return yards and has returned punts for touchdowns in each of the first two games. Miami’s Graig Cooper finished the game with 177 yards of kickoff returns against Florida State. Scott Blair hit field goals of 24, 34 and 36 yards, and threw a touchdown for Tech against Clemson.
Key Statistical Match-Ups for Thursday Night
Miami (476 yards per game) and Georgia Tech (457.5ypg) are combining for more than 900 yards of total offense per game. The Hurricanes and Yellow Jackets rank first and second, respectively, in the ACC in total offense. Georgia Tech leads the ACC in rushing (318 ypg), while Miami's defense limited Florida State to 110 yards on the ground.
Trends:
Miami Under is 13-6 in their last 19 games in September
Miami under is 9-3 in Miami last 12 Thursday games
Miami is 13-32-1 ATS in their last 46 home games.
Georgia Tech leads the all-time series 10-4 and has won the last four meetings
Georgia Tech is 2-0 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
Georgia Tech is 2-0 straight up against Miami over the last 3 season
Under is 15-6 in Georgia Tech last 21 games.
Add 3 more starters from Miami that are listed as out or doubtful as a flu bug ravages the Canes. That will make six starters from last Thursday’s win over Florida State that could miss the game for the favored Hurricanes. Three with injuries, and now three with the Flu.
Games to Watch - Week 3
By Chris David
Even though there are only two games that feature ranked teams going head-to-head, the entire slate has some intriguing matchups that could be telling toward the entire year for some teams.
Let's take a quick look at 11 contests for this weekend that are worth watching.
Week 3
Thursday - Georgia Tech at Miami, Fl. (ESPN, 7:45 p.m.)
Gamblers get a tricky one to handicap in South Florida on Thursday when the Yellow Jackets and Hurricanes collide. Miami (1-0 straight up, 1-0 against the spread) hasn't played since its 38-34 thrilling upset against Florida State on Labor Day, plus Georgia Tech (2-0 SU, 0-1 ATS) has had extra time to prepare as well after defeating Clemson 30-27 last Thursday. The Hurricanes (+6) cashed outright against the 'Noles, while the Yellow Jackets failed to cover as four-point home favorites. G-Tech has won and covered four in a row against Miami, including a 41-23 romp last year in Atlanta. A lot of people wrote Randy Shannon and the 'Canes off after looking at their early schedule but another big win here would silence those critics. Even though the Jackets have the higher ranking, Miami is laying four points at most outlets. Total players should note that the last two games played between these two in South Florida have gone 'under' the total.
vegasinsider.com
Storm Brewing
By SportsPic
Miami opened it's campaign with a 38-34 win over Florida State. However Canes experiencing defensive problems throughout the contest can thank their lucky stars Seminoles sophomore Jarmon Fortson couldn't corral Ponder's final throw in the end zone. Never-the-less a win is a win. Meanwhile, Yellow Jackets returning 16 starters have two under their belts opened the campaign manhandling Jacksonville State 37-17 then following it up with a 30-27 conference victory over Clemson a game that saw Jackets blow a 24-0 lead but managed two late field-goal drives to escape with the victory. The Hurricanes had better get the defense in shape before Thursday if they're going to stop Jackets RB's Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Allen and QB Josh Nesbitt who've accumulating 493 yards, 4 TD's on the ground so far. Keep in mind Yellow Jackets put up a whopping 472 yard on the ground in last years 41-23 victory in Atlanta with Dwyer, Nesbitt doing most of the damage (221 yds, 3 TD's). Canes have opened 4.5 point favorites despite losing four straight vs Jackets (0-4 ATS) and being 1-10 ATS their last eleven as a favorite of 3.5-10, 5-10 ATS last fifteen as a faves of 6 or less and that Jackets are 6-2 ATS last eight as an underdog.
Tips and Trends
Georgia Tech at Miami
Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets are higher ranked than Miami, but find themselves an underdog. Early betting has been on the favored Hurricanes pushing the number up from an opening three. The 14th-rated Yellow Jackets are 2-0 after beating Clemson last week, 30-27, on a 36-yard field goal with 57 seconds left. Georgia Tech nearly blew a 24-point lead in that contest. The Yellow Jackets have beaten and covered the spread in each of the past four years against Miami, the longest winning streak in the series. Last year, Georgia Tech rushed for 472 yards in a 41-23 victory. The Yellow Jackets run a triple option attack that tests a Miami defense that has talent but may not have the necessary discipline to contain. Demaryius Thomas gives Georgia Tech a threat at the flanks. He caught three passes last week for 93 yards and scored a touchdown.
The Yellow Jackets are 27-10-1 to the under when getting points.
Georgia Tech is 0-5 ATS in Thursday night road games.
Key Injuries - Linebacker Kyle Jackson (foot) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 24 (Side of the Day)
Miami (-5.5, O/U 54): The 20th-ranked Hurricanes are seeking revenge and have had an extra three days to prepare after opening the season on Sept. 7 with a 38-34 win over then-ranked No. 18 Florida State. The Hurricanes scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to pull out the victory sparked by quarterback Jacory Harris, who riddled the Seminoles for 386 yards and two touchdowns. Miami, though, is just 19-19 the past three seasons. The Hurricanes haven’t been able to stop Georgia Tech’s run-oriented option attack. Running back Graig Cooper had a big game for Miami against Florida State with 177 yards in kickoff returns and scoring two touchdowns. Miami has failed to cover 10 of the past 11 times it has been favored in the 3 ½-to-10-point range. The Hurricanes are only 3-13 against the spread following a bye week and 8-18-1 against the number in ACC action.
Miami is 13-32-1 ATS in its last 46 home games.
The Under has cashed 19 of the past 26 times the Hurricanes have been a home favorite.
Key injuries - Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke and tight end Richard Gordon are questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 29