ATLANTA REPORT: Tech Springs Forward
Our correspondent in Atlanta, who caught some spring sessions, including the final scrimmage, of the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech, filed this short report:
I was among those who thought Tech would beat the Irish in last year's opener and, having watched that game in person, I still scratch my head.
I now am among those who believe that this is a building year for ND, what with so much inexperience and question marks (like, can Zibby, Wooden, and Lambert really rise above their mediocre play of last season?).
GTech has 19 starters returning from the Gator Bowl and they look damn strong to me.
Notre Dame will be--and should be--the underdog in the September rematch.
There is a question, but after spring practice, not a big one about how Taylor Bennett will perform at QB. He looked very good, as did his backups: Threet and Booker. Reggie Ball is no loss.
There is no question about running back. Tashard Choice is among the nation's best. He was off the ball quickly and strongly during scrimmages.
A red shirt freshman, Bay-Bay Thomas looked very promising in spring play. He should start along with vet James Johnson, who is fleet afoot with good hands. They may be weak at TE; no one stepped forward. But, there are a lot of candidates and Coach Chan Gailey will find the right guy before the first game.
And, to make matters worse for the Irish, virtually the entire O-Line returns, led by all-America candidate Andrew Gardner. These guys and their back-ups looked very good during recent drills and scrimmages. I hope NDs new D front-three shows some quick, smashmouth lunge at the snap.
The defensive line and linebackers are solid in both depth and experience. Phil Wheeler certainly lives up to his projected all-America candidacy. Speed and athleticism were demonstrated throughout the spring. Charlie Weis will have his hands full getting runs and passes by these guys.
They have vets in the secondary, but none showed--at least to me--that this unit is up to the task of covering good pass routes and those who run them with deft skill. If the Irish pass attack is ready to go against Tech in the opener--here is where ND wins the game, IMO.
Coach Gailey is very excited about his team and does not hide his enthusiam for their prospects as a ACC leader and national rank.
I hope The Fighting Irish are not looking beyond this game, otherwise it's 0-1.
--Paul W#.
I was among those who thought Tech would beat the Irish in last year's opener and, having watched that game in person, I still scratch my head.
I now am among those who believe that this is a building year for ND, what with so much inexperience and question marks (like, can Zibby, Wooden, and Lambert really rise above their mediocre play of last season?).
GTech has 19 starters returning from the Gator Bowl and they look damn strong to me.
Notre Dame will be--and should be--the underdog in the September rematch.
There is a question, but after spring practice, not a big one about how Taylor Bennett will perform at QB. He looked very good, as did his backups: Threet and Booker. Reggie Ball is no loss.
There is no question about running back. Tashard Choice is among the nation's best. He was off the ball quickly and strongly during scrimmages.
A red shirt freshman, Bay-Bay Thomas looked very promising in spring play. He should start along with vet James Johnson, who is fleet afoot with good hands. They may be weak at TE; no one stepped forward. But, there are a lot of candidates and Coach Chan Gailey will find the right guy before the first game.
And, to make matters worse for the Irish, virtually the entire O-Line returns, led by all-America candidate Andrew Gardner. These guys and their back-ups looked very good during recent drills and scrimmages. I hope NDs new D front-three shows some quick, smashmouth lunge at the snap.
The defensive line and linebackers are solid in both depth and experience. Phil Wheeler certainly lives up to his projected all-America candidacy. Speed and athleticism were demonstrated throughout the spring. Charlie Weis will have his hands full getting runs and passes by these guys.
They have vets in the secondary, but none showed--at least to me--that this unit is up to the task of covering good pass routes and those who run them with deft skill. If the Irish pass attack is ready to go against Tech in the opener--here is where ND wins the game, IMO.
Coach Gailey is very excited about his team and does not hide his enthusiam for their prospects as a ACC leader and national rank.
I hope The Fighting Irish are not looking beyond this game, otherwise it's 0-1.
--Paul W#.
posted by OLD SHILLELAGH at 3:14 PM
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