Few fans outside of those who follow Virginia Tech and Georgia may be aware that two of the hottest defenses in the country will lead their teams into a matchup dormant since 1932. Both teams have put mid-season struggles behind them, but who is “Experienced” enough to find victory?
» Purple (Maroon) Haze: For the second-straight year, Virginia Tech finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense (221.1 yards allowed per game). Boasting two All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team picks, sophomore cornerback Brandon Flowers (3 INTs, 21 passes defended) and junior linebacker Vince Hall (ACC-leading 9.6 tackles per game), Tech will look to rattle Georgia true freshman quarterback Matthew Stafford (126-for-235, 1,620 yards, 6 TDs), who didn’t throw an interception in season-ending wins over Auburn and Georgia Tech after tossing eight picks in three games prior.
» Fire: The Bulldogs own the nation’s No. 9 defense (264 ypg) as well as momentum in what is essentially a home game. It’s their second straight bowl in Atlanta, having played the relocated Sugar Bowl there last year after Hurricane Katrina. Led by All-Southeastern Conference senior linebacker Tony Taylor (5 INTs, team-leading 87 tackles), Georgia is aiming to be the first team in school history to topple three consecutive ranked opponents.
» Crosstown Traffic: Georgia sophomore Mikey Henderson has two punt returns for a touchdown and junior Thomas Brown tied a school record with a 99-yard kickoff return for a score against Tennessee. Virginia Tech junior Eddie Royal (Westfield High) averages 23.2 yards per kickoff return and 12.0 per punt return, but is yet to find paydirt this season.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Va. Tech (10-2) vs. Georgia (8-4)
» Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
» When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
» TV: ESPN
» Why it’s a great matchup: If blocked kicks, interceptions and forced fumbles are your thing, this is the game for you. Virginia Tech and its legions of traveling fans are sure to win over Atlanta and can exact some measure of revenge for their loss to Georgia Tech, who lost to Georgia in their regular-season finale.
» Why it’s not: Despite their double-digit wins, the Hokies were out of the contention for the ACC title and a BCS berth by mid-October. Georgia was done by then, too. A solid bowl victory won’t erase the general disappointment for two programs that expect more.
