Since I’ve already used my favorite piece of ACC team color trivia, I might as well talk about another SEC/ACC matchup. And yes, I asked to do this game because I loves me some chicken sammiches.
Tennessee (7-5, 4-4 SEC) vs. Va Tech (9-3, 6-2 ACC)
December 31, 2009 7:30:00 PM ET
Georgia Dome, Atlanta Georgia
This is, for me, one of the traditional games. Started in 1968 and named the “Peach Bowl” until 1998, when Chick Fil A became a corporate sponsor. In 2006, the corporation took complete ownership of the naming rights; no more peaches.
Not that I’m really complaining- I’ve been known to drive quite a ways to support the current administration. When they say “we didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich” they ain’t kidding… plus, they put pickles on it, and serve sweet tea. Those things, and the Cathay Family’s commitment to giving their staff a day off, are reasons enough for me to sacrifice my cholesterol and for us to watch this game.
And it should be a good one, pairing a first year coach against one of the veterans of the collegiate game. Vols coach Lane Kiffin and his band of well paid merry men are coming off of a rebuilding year, with signature games against Georgia (win), Florida (moral victory), and Alabama (moral victory, amazing finish). They finished tied for second in the SEC East, and seemingly led the nation in secondary recruiting violations. Recent allegations imply improper usage of co-eds… I actually thought that was part of SEC conference rules.
The Vols are anchored on defense by All American safety Eric Berry, a player that impacts the ways coaches establish their gameplans. A ferocious hitter, his 83 tackles, two picks, and two recovered fumbles have set him up to make a lot of money playing on Sundays. However, linebacker Rico McCoy’s 112 tackles lead Coach Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron’s defensive stalwarts.
While the news was freshman running back Bryce Brown, this team’s successes offensive hinge on the arm of QB Jonathan Crompton. For the year, this senior managed over 58% completions, and an efficiency rating of 135. His main targets have been Gerald Jones (41 catches, 610 yds, 4TD) and Denarius Moore (36, 473, 6). While Brown made news, Montario Hardesty amassed almost 1400 yards and 12 scores on the year.
Blacksburg’s finest began their season with a loss to potential national champion Alabama, and then struggled to defeat the Huskers in Lincoln. They also fell to Georgia Tech and UNC, but manhandled “Da U” 31-7. Fun fact- While the “Hokie” mascot seems to be some sort of turkey, the name itself comes from a cheer from 1896. And now you know… Personally, I wish they had more arrests- I’d love to read headlines about the “Hokie Pokey”.
“Beamerball” is predicated on special teams excellence; although it seems as if this may be the reason they’re not playing in a BCS game- So far this year, Virginia Tech has only 2 kick returns for TDs, and have only blocked one punt and no field goals. On offense, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been responsible for almost 2500 total yards, including 344 rushing yards to go with four rushing touchdowns. Ryan Williams has totaled close to 1600 yards and 19 scores on the ground; Jarrett Boykin’s 715 yards and 5 touchdowns lead the receiving corps.
Defensively, Cody Grimm’s 99 tackles are tops for the team, but Jason Worilds is tied with him with 9.5 tackles for a loss over the season. In the secondary, Rashad Carmicheal has managed 5 interceptions for a defense that has held opposition to 18 touchdowns for the year.
Who Are We Picking?
Jeff at the BBC: Hokies
Mali: Hokies
Jim: Hokies
Eric: Hokies
Tennessee is going to be good- just not yet.
For more on this match up, and potential coupons for tasty sandwiches, check out SBN’s Gobbler Country and Rock Top Talk.
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