Duke Blue Devils at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Preview

The Duke Blue Devils were on bye week last week and that gave them some extra time to prepare for this week’s opponent, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In past years, teams have savored the opportunity to get an extra week to prepare for the only triple option team in the conference. This game is even more important because the Jackets currently sit at the top of the Coastal Division standings, with Duke among the other teams trailing right now.

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Things got a little heated this week as David Cutcliffe made some comments about Georgia Tech recruiting and Paul Johnson responded angrily. I don’t think those feelings will carry over to the game, but it was strange to see the Duke-Tech matchup causing angst.

Date: October 11

Time: 12:30 PM

TV: ACC Network

Venue: Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

Last Time: 2013

Sep 14, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Paul Johnson talks to quarterback Vad Lee (2) on the sidelines aginast the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

The two squads met early last season and Georgia Tech demonstrated a little passing attack to finish off its option drives with then quarterback Vad Lee throwing for four touchdowns. It almost like Paul Johnson was trying to say, “Yeah, we can do this too.” For Duke, the offense sputtered behind Brandon Connette with Jela Duncan as the most effective offensive player.

Opponent: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-0) – #22 (AP)

Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) fakes a pitch against the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Yellow Jackets prepare to defend home with their triple option. Coach Paul Johnson is notable for not having a script of plays that he calls from, he just knows his offense that well. So far through the season that has worked, since Johnson has won three straight games that were within two scores. This contest against Duke figures to be another close one.

The leading rusher and passer is quarterback Justin Thomas, which should surprise no one in this option system. The next rusher is Zach Laskey, the fullback in these sets and a guy who should see the ball a lot on Saturday. The Georgia Tech triple option will look to grind down the Duke defense, which is the slightly undersized 4-2-5. This will be the game where Kelby Brown is missed the most.

If Thomas goes to the air, then his target will probably be Deandre Smelter. Smelter has more 330 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on the year. With almost half the season gone, it is unlikely Smelter will have a 1000 yards receiving by the end of the year.

Sep 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive players react with defensive lineman Adam Gotsis (96) after a sack against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

On defense former Duke coach Ted Roof brings a 4-2-5 of his own to the field. Tech has a bunch of inexperienced guys on the defensive line next to Adam Gotsis. Gotsis is the rock of the defense, because the rest of it seems to fit the description of the defensive line. The young Jackets D has played well except for their option shootout with Georgia Southern.

That is where Duke will have to attack. They will have to mount a power running game of their own to bear down on the Georgia Tech defense. Shaquille Powell, Jevan Snead, and Shaun Wilson should be called upon for between the tackles work. The Blue Devils should also look to take advantage of the middle of field for midrange throws.

Prediction

This matchup is not a particularly good one for Duke, since it relies on good defensive line play and the Duke front 6 is missing at least one key piece. Georgia Tech will score first, and then Duke will be playing catchup til the end of the game, which is what option teams want you to do.

ONJ Season Prediction Record – 17-5 (starting to even itself back up)