Big plays against big plays
It could be a real (cliche alert) barn-burner Thursday night at Land Shark Stadium when the Jackets take on the Hurricanes.
Why?
Because these two teams make big plays and a lot of them. Granted, the season is young.
But Miami quarterback Jacory Harris had nine pass plays of at least 20 yards in their win against Florida State. Nine.
In comparison, Josh Nesbitt hit his ninth play (running or passing), in the third quarter of the Virginia Tech game last season.
That in no way means Harris is better than Nesbitt. Different quarterbacks. Different systems. Different expectations. Different everything.
It’s just used to illustrate the big-play potential that Harris possesses.
Now, Tech knows a thing or two about big plays, having scored six touchdowns using them this season (and others that didn’t lead to TDs), and having made 67 of them last year.
So, it would be easy to say the team that makes the most big plays will win the game.
I’m not sure if it’ll be that easy.
Paraphrasing something coach Paul Johnson said on Monday, just because you do something good, or something bad, in football or life, it doesn’t mean that you were great and the other team bad. And vice versa. Sometimes you can both be good and things still happen.
So perhaps there won’t be that many big plays. Perhaps it’ll just come down to who does what they do the best. Tech running vs. Miami passing.
Of course, that means that there will be big plays.
I give up. (I know, some of you have been waiting on me to say that for a long time now.)
What do you think the key to the game will be?
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180 comments Add your comment
T in ATL
September 15th, 2009
5:49 pm
Johnsons Hive: Where have you read Miami is taken Gt lightly? Do you read the miami beat writers articles? Miami has watched the game tape numerous times of the a s s kicking you gave us last yr. They know the result of taking you lightly. They have put in extra work on the option, but even Shannon says no scout team player can truely immitate how that offense runs. And that it takes a quarter of play to even get used to it. I assure you, they are putting in work to prepare. Last yr they did take it lightly using a nobody to run the scout team option and had no real preperation. Thats Shannons fault. But hes learned. This will be a great battle.
Not saying that makes us better or thats why we’ll win….but lightly is not the word Id use.
Ray Rackley
September 15th, 2009
5:53 pm
The key will be turnovers, penalties, & special teams! Miami threw in the towel last year when they got behind. I wonder if they have matured. Doesn’t appear that Miami or FSU have a very good defense and you can’t make big plays or score if you don’t have the ball. Grind it out and keep Miami’s offense off the field! Look who the no.1 punt returner is in the nation after the first 2 weeks, Tarrant! Gotta play the whole 60 minutes to be winner in this one. I bet that defensive line steps up for this one with all the double teams on Morgan!
Da U
September 15th, 2009
5:56 pm
Tech82 – What I don’t understand is why you’re dwelling on what other schools have done against us. Is it because we’ve owned you guys for the past four years (another FACT)?
Did U read my post above? Guess not, because I did admit you all kicked our butts the last 4 years.
Dwayne
September 15th, 2009
6:01 pm
I’m a Paul J fan. He coached at THE Ga. Southern U. (that sounds and looks funny). One thing about that offense, if you lay the ball on the ground to many times, your in trouble, now, if GT can win the TO battle, they win, lose it, give Miami a short field. Game Over. Good luck GT. I hope yall run the table. Even I know the Dogs, who I like, are gonna lose at least 3 more.
Tech Forever
September 15th, 2009
6:30 pm
The key ot the game??? Easy….Jacory Harris getting the flu and not playing. That’s the key to the game.
I love the Jackets but running a streak to 5 in a row is hard enough against BAD teams…..Miami is NOT a bad team.
jeremy chandler
September 15th, 2009
6:51 pm
nerd herd 478-228-0677
kyle turman
September 15th, 2009
7:04 pm
Alright, Miami seems to be back on their way to becoming the new Miami right?
“Not so fast my friend”, Miami plays one good game against FSU and everyone is thinking of the old days. Did they not forget what happened to them last time they faced the option oriented jackets….DESTROYED. Yes Tech has lost a great group of D-lineman but they are returning most of their starting offense from last season. So, what could be different this time around? Maybe Miami scores two TD’s more than last year…still not enough for the powerful jackets.
prediction Jackets 35, Canes 21
DDT
September 15th, 2009
7:26 pm
Enjoy it mites. Your 15 minutes of fame is just about up.
DDT
September 15th, 2009
7:29 pm
Cooper Taylor is a big play waiting to happen….for te other team. Every OC you play for the rest of the year is going to get a faster guy on him multiple times a game. The kid is slower than molasses.
DDT
September 15th, 2009
7:30 pm
Canes 42 GT 24
Ted
September 15th, 2009
7:38 pm
And jacory was any better? He had two picks also. Funny how you ignore that. The clemson kid is a freshman. Those are good numbers for your first stiff game. But you ignore stuff like that.
Go back to your name calling. That’s all you do in your childish rants.
theUcanLICKNUTZ
September 15th, 2009
7:43 pm
The name says it all. Been getting that AZZ beat since you came into the ACC.
Ted
September 15th, 2009
7:43 pm
Miami didn’t play a good game against fsu. They looked like crap like fsu did. No defense and tons of miscues. They will be exposed for the fraud they are on Thursday. Overhyped undisciplined team with a sorry coach.
Ted
September 15th, 2009
8:17 pm
They haven’t learned anything.
The Hurricanes have spent a lot of time watching film of that game, though safety Randy Phillips said they didn’t spend any extra time in the spring or in summer camp working on defending the option. Shannon said it wouldn’t have mattered if they had.
Joe Schmoe
September 15th, 2009
8:29 pm
Please, god let these guys keep thinking they are going to roll. They are in for a big suprise.
Here is a prime example quote from QB Harris from Miami.
“They have a good defense. Their secondary is good. Morgan Burnett gets across the whole field. And their defensive end [Derrick Morgan] is a beast. But at the same time, I don’t believe our offense can [be stopped].”
Mephistopheles
September 15th, 2009
8:29 pm
Miami has had more talented players than GT for 4 years and lost all 4 games. UM has failed to develop players because they’ve done a poor job of hiring talented coaches.
The biggest difference in this game is that Miami’s superior talent is now being directed by exceptional coaches. GT fans know only too well the significant upgrade Mark Whipple represents compared to Patrick Nix, and Lovett had the most effective defensive gameplan the Jackets faced all season.
Sorry Techies, but the party is over in the ACC. Barring injury to Jacory Harris, the U is finally ready to bring credibility to this conference on a national level like the ACC commish had hoped.
Doubt me? Well, UM’s opening drive this season was 6 plays/66 yards for a TD. (666) Don’t say I didn’t warn you. CAN “U” FEEL THE HEAT?
Mephistopheles
September 15th, 2009
8:34 pm
I like guys!
AUGUSTAJACKET
September 15th, 2009
8:49 pm
Da U GAY
It will be like last year.
Mephistopheles
September 15th, 2009
8:53 pm
C’mon Atlanta. Is that the best you’ve got? Fortunately for you, your team will bring a little more to Miami. GT is an excellent school-obviously, its alumni avoid these blogs.
boondock
September 15th, 2009
8:53 pm
You all think GT is actually gonna beat Miami, man please as I told some of my friends if Clemson could actually slow that rushing attack down then what do you expect the Miami defense to do against the run I know just ask Florida State. Once the run is stopped Tech only has one good reciever and Josh is not an accurate passer so my suggestion to all you Tech fans is to sit down shut up and watch Miami dismantle Tech for some serious payback this year.
Joe Schmoe
September 15th, 2009
9:04 pm
boondock, yea you guys are such a world beaters! Lot of smack talk but no walk behind it. Win a couple and run your trap to follow your walk, but untill then go pound sand untill you do win. Your eyes will be open Thursday night, and you may not like the outcome.
boondock
September 15th, 2009
9:06 pm
I like guys especially the soft ones that sorta talk smack like Mephistopheles. I picked him up off the street on Calle Ocho, he is so soft!!!
Not Disappointed
September 15th, 2009
9:27 pm
GO Jackets!
Tech Wins
September 15th, 2009
9:40 pm
Keys to Tech’s victory: 1) D-line pressures Harris 2) Tech plays with intensity all 60 minutes 3) Nesbitt improves the touch on his throws
Tech wins by 14.
CaneBoss
September 15th, 2009
9:48 pm
I hear you all talking about Oline. We are very concerned about our Boy King Jacory Harris. Thats why he majority of the time we will only send out 3 receivers at a time and max protect him as we did against FSU. As you can see the receivers are talented enough to still get open. The exceptional offensive mind of Coach Whipple will create mismatches allnight. Slow linebackers matched up against Cooper and Baby James. Look for Byrd to have a breakout game, as well as our Power Foward now TE Graham. Um is much better team. I love the city of Atlanta, but The U is too talented and a bit more experienced this year, as well as mad some underserving overacheiving team has been beating them in they’re down years. Statement Game. Watch out!! The UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
wigdad
September 15th, 2009
10:35 pm
m. please stop. No more we give up. you need to go to sleep now.
macrotech
September 16th, 2009
12:03 am
DawginLex, no clue…you MAY be giving him too much credit at 12! I like your predictions… Could make for a great week in the state of Georgia!
DDT, no thanks….I think we’ll stick around for a while.
boondock, awwww hell….. we didn’t need to pass the ball much last year…. it’ll only add to the fun; have fun!
This is going to be a GREAT game! Either team could win it. Miami seems to be enjoying that old swagger of old. However, Tech is having some fun struttin their stuff to a nice collection of victories. Should make for some hard hitting! Gonna be a good night to watch some football! GO TECH!!!
305CANE
September 16th, 2009
12:54 am
I have one name for you tech fans Vaughn Telemaque. You will remember him after the game.
xCanes4Lifex
September 16th, 2009
7:52 am
Ted is still an idiot……calls people losers and then bashes them for calling him an idiot. Miami’s defense didn’t look great against FSU, but the offense had a pretty good day…..but I keep forgetting, that was because FSU has a terrible defense. Your arguments are the best in the business Ted……….loser!
coach smith
September 16th, 2009
9:05 am
Tech is playing on Thursday again….you know why?
THE Junior Varsity teams always play on Thursdays!!!!
LOL
Seriously
I’m a Dawg fan but this should be a entertaining game to watch (and I’ll take football on TV any night I can get it..even if its Tech
I think the loss of Miami’s two DBs will not make much difference b/c Tech does not pass the ball well at all
If it is raining as hard as they are forecasting that will be a problem for Tech
If Tech turns the ball over in this game they lose badly otherwise it is going to the wire