Jackets ACC Champions in 09; Possibly

Many did not think that Paul Johnson's Spread Offense would work in the ACC. The biggest criticism it got was that the quarterbacks wouldn't be able to get the ball to the Wide Receivers, thus hurting Tech's chances at recruiting top notch players at that position. Johnson and his pupils proved the nay sayers all wrong. Against Duke last season, Jr. WR Damariyus Thomas put on a show against the Blue Devils by catching 9 passes for 230 yards in the Jackets 27-0 white washing of the Devils.

Junior RB Jonathan Dwyer had a career year last year earning the honor of ACC Player of the Year. His rushing average last season was 107.3, 17th overall nationally. He was the third Jacket ever to win ACC Player of the Year, the other two being former Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson and former Quarterback Joey Hamilton. Dwyer rushed for 1,395 yards last season, the fourth best in Jackets history, and he was the only player in the ACC in 09 to average over 100 yards rushing. If Dwyer can duplicate this type of performance in 09, the Jackets should have a Heisman Trophy candidate on their hands and could possibly contend for an ACC Championship.

According to Tech insiders, the O-line will be a work in progress, although the Jackets do have R-shirt Sr. Cord Howard coming back. Last season, Howard was a Second Team All-ACC selection and started all of Tech's 12 games at Left Guard.He was a big part in helping the Jackets rush for 409 yards against Georgia in last year's season finale.

On the Defensive Line, the Jackets are having to replace 3 of 4 starters. At Quarterback, Josh Nesbitt is ready to surpass an outstanding Sophomore year in which he led the ACC in quarterback play and was second on the Jackets' team in rushing yards per game and 8th in the ACC with an average of 63.0. Nesbitt ran for 7 touchdowns and threw for two in 08. He will have to probably surpass that for the Jackets to have a shot at the ACC Title.

The schedule for the Jackets looks favorable on paper with Clemson, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Georgia all at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Obviously Georgia Tech will win its home opener against Jacksonville St.. Clemson will be a tough game, but I see a Tech win. I'll go ahead and pick Tech to beat Miami in Coral Gables. I see wins over the Cavs, the Heels, the Deacons, and a road wins against Mississippi St and a tough Vanderbilt squad.. FSU will probably be a loss being that the Seminoles are improved and the game is in Tallahassee. Overall, I think a 9-3 result is realistic with losses coming against FSU, Virginia Tech and Georgia, but the Jackets could still have a chance at the ACC Title being that the conference has more parody than it did in the past. Morfe information on this article can be gleaned by going to www.ramblinwreck.cstv.com.