Only a handful of teams run a power run option in the country and run it well enough to reach a bowl game. However, in this Independence Bowl, we’ll get a chance to see two of the best run option offenses in the country in Georgia Tech and Air Force.
With Air Force having quarterback Tim Jefferson leading the way and their head coach Troy Calhoun committed to the program, they can compete with any team in the country. And while Georgia Tech didn’t have the ACC Championship type season they expected, they still feature a great running game and a talented defense.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Air Force Falcons – Independence Bowl
Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech
Not as quick, fast, or as athletically gifted as Jonathan Dwyer was last year, but has done a great job in being a workhorse for this team and being as consistent as this offense allows. He’ll likely carry the ball a lot in this game because of the fact that both teams will pound the ball all day, but he might get a chance to showcase his solid yet not often used hands to catch the Falcons off guard.
Mario Butler, CB, Georgia Tech
Butler is quite athletic and has very good speed to go along with his quick turning hips and leaping ability. He hasn’t been consistently dominate all season long, but he can run with most receivers, has the ability to knock down deep passes, and can contribute in run support. He does struggle with double moves and crossing patterns, so he’ll try to show that he can play the deep route in the very few chances he’ll likely have in this one.
Austin Barrick, OG, Georgia Tech
Barrick’s playing tackle for this game and has been playing it all season, but because of his size and likely inability to pass block on the outside in the NFL, he’ll need to switch inside to guard. He has shown the ability to play in space and pull. However, he needs to improve his core strength and show that he won’t get blown up by quicker, more powerful rushers, especially blitzers at the next level.
Dominique Reese, S, Georgia Tech
Another player who will be making a position change, likely, at the next level. He’s played cornerback much of the year, but his lack of cornerback-quick hips and his overall better fit at safety likely will make him switch for the NFL as he tries to make a roster. He has very good ball skills and is a strong tackler, and could be a rangy, instinct-based safety at the next level.
Mario Edwards, S, Georgia Tech
A tough, physical, in the box safety who can deliver huge hits and be a fourth linebacker for this team, Edwards will need to show that he can match-up in coverage with tight ends and running backs and show that he’s more than just a hard hitting, head-hunting safety for this team and for the next level.
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