I appreciate the nice posts....sincerely!
Now, about the Red Raiders. The recipe for beating the 2004 squad isn't much different than what the 'Bucks used in '02. Tech's offense is really pretty simple at it's core. They spread the Defense out creating natural creases, passing lanes and running lanes. What sets Tech apart in how they execute so effectively is that they have a top-notch offensive line that can pick up blitzes despite their 3 and 4 yard splits. Tech rotates 8 to 10 recievers and running backs into the game. Most of them are 5'10 - 6'4 with better than average speed. Teams that aren't very deep in their secondary pay the price. The're able to shut down a few of Tech's options, but when a defense has their 6th DB huffing and puffing with his hands on his hips, Tech makes its money. At QB, the most important quality is the decision making. Sonny Cumbie has an adequate arm, very immoblile, and decent decision making skills. Last Season, B.J. Symons had a cannon and was much more decisive. Cumbie has a better arm than Kingsbury, but struggles at times with decision making. Tech's lost many senior skill players last season and this year's offense simply isn't as good.
People knock Tech for "not having a running game" which is nonsense when you look at yards per carry and especially the fact that they are actually among the nations leaders when it comes to rushing TD's (when they need 2 yards on the ground, they can get it the hard way).
To beat Tech's offense is easier said than done, but I suspect OSU has all the tools they need. Tech really struggles against teams that are deep and that can tackle in open spaces (OU). If a team can keep a 4 yard completion from becomming a 14 yard completion, they are in good shape. Pressuring the QB isn't as easy as it looks, though as I recall, OSU did a great job of it last time. Blitzes backfire big time on defenses, so Defenses must rely on their front 4 (or 3) to get consistant pressure. On the flip side, many teams have tried dropping 8 and rushing 3 and Tech has done a great job popping them for 7 yard runs and 5 yard passes (Nebraska). Defenses simply have to be deep, make good tackles, and get an adequate pass rush.
Tech's D. Not good. Tech's D is good enough to stop 1-dimensional teams (Oklahoma State). Last season's defense was inexcusibly bad and this year they are better, but still one of the poorer defenses in the conference. Ohio State is a team that scares the hell out of us because you have different options. Mobile QB's tend to give our D the most fits, but I don't know enough about OSU to know how your guy is. Vince Young at Texas and Reggie McNeal at A&M absolutely minced us.
The key to a Tech win would be defense. The longer our offense is on the field, the worse it is for the opponent. If your offense can sustain long drives for TD's, then it will give your Defense rest and keep Tech's O out of rythem.
Watch for Freshman Danny Amendola on Punt returns. He likes to fumble, but if he makes the first few miss....goodbye. Amazing athlete.
Tech has always struggled against Big 10 teams and I'd see this game as no different, unless OSU has a wierd game with 3 or 4 turnovers I think Tech loses 28-17 or something like that.
I don't know much about the Bucks.......can someone fill me in?
