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Carolina
vs. Georgia Tech prediction
Raleigh__ OK Heels, we're ahead of the game from last season and you have to be ready to roll. I understand that the Heels are still in a learning curve, but with our coaching staff at the reins, it won't be a long one. With the first ACC game looming ahead this Saturday, I think the Heels will be ready. It's time to look for a more complete game. I'm not sure it will be total focus for 60 minutes, but we will have 60 minutes of fight and intensity. And heart counts. On offense we have made the greatest gains. While the stats look great and the Heels move the ball down field, they have had a time sticking it in. After 3 games and going against Texas, I'm betting they are tuned up, leaving turnover city behind and ready to put the points on the board. One pleasant surprise is the emergence of our running game. That's an area we've missed for a while. Jacque Lewis is proving he has what it takes to make an impact. Although 90 to 95 percent after the Texas game, Lewis states, "I can carry the ball as many times as they (the coaching staff) would like. I am going to hurt, but I have to be able to play with pain. That is the name of the game. That is what Coach Bunting always talks about." This is key #1. We need to run well to open up the passing game more. We still need production from Parker and Williams, but hopefully Lewis will have more than 20 carries come Saturday. Against Texas he fought hard for 84 yards against an impressive defense. That also speaks volumes for our very improved offensive linemen.
On defense... that's our challenge. Yes, we're young. But when alignments are blown, there is no chance to hold the opponent. And the lack of experience at the front 7, when matched against Texas, almost hurt the eyes at times. With two weeks of preparation, I'm betting we'll see improvements not only in alignment responsibilities, but execution as well. At his weekly press conference Bunting said, "Our secondary is the strength of our defense and they are going to have to be good this week. I am going to challenge them to recognize coverages and make tackles. Don't give up big plays. You might give up one big play, but if you keep that to just one, you have a chance to win the game." Well, Rabbit will have to step up and answer the bell. As one of my personal favorite players, I haven't seen his head totally in the games this season. He was burned against Syracuse and Texas. Too many times he seemed to be a half-step slow getting to the ball or man, then only reaching like he's playing touch football. Michael Waddell is much better than that. Damn Rabbit, knock their lights out! With Dexter Reid cheating on the run coverage, you're da' man on the corner. I'd rather see you run through the man and take a penalty than be left reaching. And this is Key #2. We can stop their run with Reid's help, but you have to shut down the pass to make that more possible. Our special teams are also improving and our average return yards have leaped. We're getting more athletes on kick coverage and that's a very good thing. I'm hoping John Lafferty can become a bit more consistent and pin the Jackets deep in their territory. They will be able to move the ball, so let's make them work harder. Again I think we should look for a wide open, up-n-down the field type of game and lots of points on the board. I expect to see lead changes throughout the game. But in the final analysis, this game will be won by a field goal. Dan Orner will rise to the occasion and so will his kicks. With a strong 4th quarter finish, let's go with Carolina 30 - Georgia Tech 27. Go Heels!
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