Jackets D preps for the U
The Yellow Jackets will face their toughest test by far this Saturday when they travel to Miami to try to be the first team to beat the Canes. The U is fresh off an exciting win over Florida State, and are sitting atop of the ACC Coastal division with Georgia Tech. Although there is a lot riding on this game, the GT defense is confident.
Defensive end Antonio Simmons thinks it is just another game that will result in a win if they do their job up front.
“It’s just another game we’ve gotta win. Another Coastal division game that we got to win to keep us on top. That’s what I’m focused on no matter where we play at.”
In terms of skill, Simmons said it is basically the same QB and O-line as UNC, Miami just has better skill players. He is planning on having another big game Saturday.
“I’ve got confidence going into any game. I feel like I got a lot better this year than I was last year. It’s the same O-line, so I think I’m going to have very great success Saturday. Just got to execute my job and mix up my pass rituals and I’ll be fine.”
Georgia Tech has struggled over the first four games with ball security, and Junior Linebacker Brant Mitchell says the defense is focusing on getting some takeaways of their own.
“That’s what we’ve really got to work on is our takeaways. When our offense is off the field, we’re coming out and we’re doing our job of getting the ball back in the offenses hands, but that’s definitely got to be one of our emphasis’ this week is getting the ball out.”
The Yellow Jackets are currently ranked 125th in the country with a -1.7 turnover margin.
Senior cornerback Step Durham stressed that watching film and picturing himself on the field gives him an edge over Miami’s dangerous skill players.
“We just watch film and picture ourselves in the game. That’s the biggest thing, playing what the coaches call, just having a knack for the ball, and watching film. That gives you the biggest edge over your opponent.” He said that having the break and being able to watch them play against FSU gave him a chance to figure out what they’ll do in big moments and who they’ll go to.
The defense will have a huge opportunity to establish themselves as one of the best in the country if they can shut down Miami on Saturday.