Fresno Statevs
Georgia Tech
Dec. 31 / 2 p.m. ESPN2
This is another game featuring a team trying to find an identity. Georgia Tech under Coach Chan Gailey had the best WR in the nation last year in Calvin Johnson and the top RB in the ACC in Tashard Choice, and made it all the way to the ACC title game. The Yellow Jackets fell to Wake Forest and ended up in the Gator Bowl. This season Choice was back, but Johnson was off the NFL, and maligned quarterback Reggie Ball had used up his elligibility. Many in Atlanta saw Ball's departure as a good thing after watching junior QB Taylor Bennett in the bowl game. That Bennett never seemed to reappear this season and the Jackets had another year of ups and downs that resulted in Gailey's firing and the hiring of Navy headman Paul Johnson. While Johnson won't be coaching the game (that honor lies with defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta), the excitement around his hiring may carry over to the Smurf Turf of Boise, Idaho, where the Jackets are playing for the second time in five years.
On the other side are the original WAC slayers of BCS teams in Pat Hill and Fresno State. Hill's moniker of anyone, anywhere, has given Fresno State many close games with BCS opponents (including a few upset victories) but the WAC championships haven't been there. While Boise State and Hawaii have been invited to the BCS, the Bulldogs haven't gotten over the hump. They will gladly use this chance to get their second victory over a BCS opponent in 2007. With 15 starters coming back next year, the Humanitarian Bowl could be a huge starting point for 2008.
Fresno State will rely on the power running game to get the ball moving. QB Tom Brandstater has been efficient, but for the Bulldogs to win they'll need the backups to shine since starter Ryan Matthews and his backup Lonyae Miller are both out with injury. It will instead be up to team MVP Clifton Smith to carry the load, with Miller possibly able to aid the running game if his shoulder is recovered. Fresno State will also look to get TE Bear Pascoe, the team's most reliable receiver, into the game and hopefully healed from an injured ankle.
Georgia Tech will also rely on their running game, and featured back Tashard Choice. He should be able to really get going against a Fresno State front 7 that definitely can be beaten on the ground, and averaged giving up 182 yards/game. Jon Tenuta, considered by some the top defensive coordinator in the college game, will bring blitz packages from all angles and will be sure to get after the Bulldogs. They should be able to cause havoc against the Fresno State offensive line, and if they do they should be able to roll.
On the other side are the original WAC slayers of BCS teams in Pat Hill and Fresno State. Hill's moniker of anyone, anywhere, has given Fresno State many close games with BCS opponents (including a few upset victories) but the WAC championships haven't been there. While Boise State and Hawaii have been invited to the BCS, the Bulldogs haven't gotten over the hump. They will gladly use this chance to get their second victory over a BCS opponent in 2007. With 15 starters coming back next year, the Humanitarian Bowl could be a huge starting point for 2008.
Fresno State will rely on the power running game to get the ball moving. QB Tom Brandstater has been efficient, but for the Bulldogs to win they'll need the backups to shine since starter Ryan Matthews and his backup Lonyae Miller are both out with injury. It will instead be up to team MVP Clifton Smith to carry the load, with Miller possibly able to aid the running game if his shoulder is recovered. Fresno State will also look to get TE Bear Pascoe, the team's most reliable receiver, into the game and hopefully healed from an injured ankle.
Georgia Tech will also rely on their running game, and featured back Tashard Choice. He should be able to really get going against a Fresno State front 7 that definitely can be beaten on the ground, and averaged giving up 182 yards/game. Jon Tenuta, considered by some the top defensive coordinator in the college game, will bring blitz packages from all angles and will be sure to get after the Bulldogs. They should be able to cause havoc against the Fresno State offensive line, and if they do they should be able to roll.
Line: Georgia Tech -5.5, Total 54.0
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