The Dust

In the days of yore, not a single Tech fan could say with a straight face that the Jackets had a chance to win. Of course, that was two years ago. Paul Johnson shows up and the winning thing starts to happen. A winning thing that garners attention, when the flexbone offense wasn’t suppose to work in a BCS conference.

Down went FSU. Down went UGA. Then people really started to pay attention. Tickets were beginning to be sold for trips on the Wreck train. Then a trip to the Georgia Dome lead to a let down against LSU. Perhaps passing was a weakness?

Johnson demanded that the offense get better, and according to reports it has. Of course, running the ball will continue to be the call to order on an offense with plenty of speed. The real problem for Tech is overcoming the talent they lost on the other side of the ball.

The defense lost three of its four defensive lineman, meaning that stoping the run could prove problematic. However, on the positive side of things the Yellow Jackets are returning 19 starters on both sides.

All that being said, the Jackets face a brutal schedule. A schedule laced with teams that have seen what Johnson has to offer, meaning that other teams will probably be ready in year two to stop Tech. One of two things are going to happen, QB Josh Nesbitt is either going to pass effectively, or expectations will not be met.

Heading into last season, I legitimately felt Tech was going to win 10 games. They fell a game shy.

The same non challant, youth filled, know no better team from a year ago is now a team with expectations. Somewhat lofty expectations. ACC Championship expectations. That being said, the toughest games are at home. However, the Jackets are not the only team that will be better. North Carolina and Virginia Tech come to mind, and they both defeated Tech last season.

Here are my predictions for the season to come.

Schedule Breakdown:

09/05/09	vs. Jacksonville State	Bobby Dodd Stadium	WIN
09/10/09	vs. Clemson	Bobby Dodd Stadium	???
09/17/09	at Miami	Miami Gardens, Fla.	???
09/26/09	vs. North Carolina	Bobby Dodd Stadium	???
10/03/09	at Mississippi State	Starkville, Miss.	WIN
10/10/09	at Florida State	Tallahassee, Fla.	???
10/17/09	vs. Virginia Tech	Bobby Dodd Stadium	LOSS
10/24/09	at Virginia	Charlottesville, Va.	???
10/31/09	at Vanderbilt	Nashville, Tenn.	WIN
11/07/09	vs. Wake Forest	Bobby Dodd Stadium	???
11/14/09	at Duke	Durham, N.C.	WIN
11/28/09	vs. Georgia	Bobby Dodd Stadium	WIN

WIN – Sure wins.

Yes, Georgia will lose to Tech again this year. History dictates it. Considering UGA was about as talented as they ever will be last year, and still managed to lose at home to this team. Expect a lopsided affair at the Dodd.

??? – Questionable outcome.

Clemson and Miami smell like snakes in the grass. I know, I know, don’t worry this isn’t Gailey right? You still have to play the games, and both these teams are coming off embarassments last year with revenge on their minds. North Carolina and Florida State could be big wins for the Jackets. Virginia worries me because Tech hasn’t won in Charlottesville since I was in kindergarten (1990). Wake Forest is a solid program that Tech hasn’t seen since its ACC Championship loss.

Loss – Tough, but it’s bound to happen.

Virginia Tech will bring on anyone to ensure wins. Thug U is now located in Blacksberg. Need I mention their head coach is the best in the ACC and arguably top 5 in the country in Frank Beamer. Tyrod Taylor is a speed demon that couldn’t be stopped last year in route to an ACC championship. The defense was solid last year and will be better this year. Don’t expect a victory in this one, sadly ensuring the Jackets will once again sit out of the ACC Title game. The Hokies are the cream of the crop.