Georgia Tech at Notre Dame - Post Brady Quinn Era for Irish
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are returning seven starters on the offensive side of the ball and eight starters defensively. Last season the Yellow Jackets averaged 24 points per game, while limiting the opposition to 18 points per contest. Oddsmakers have posted the Notre Dame Irish as one point favorites.
RB Tashard Choice, the Georgia native originally signed with Oklahoma, but after finding himself stuck behind Adrian Peterson, he transferred to Georgia Tech. Choice led the ACC in rushing last season, but, with Calvin Johnson gone to the NFL, might find his running lanes narrow. WR Demaryius Thomas, the red shirt freshman wide out has the size and speed to develop into a big-time playmaker. RB Jonathan Dwyer, the true freshman impressed coach Chan Gailey during fall practice. He could push No. 2 back Rashaun Grant for some of the leftover carriers behind starter Tashard Choice. Junior quarterback Taylor Bennett (6-3, 215) steps in for Ball. A prototypical pocket passer, Bennett passed for 326 yards and three touchdowns in last year's bowl game against West Virginia. He followed up that performance by throwing five touchdowns in the spring game. Bennett will have a solid offensive line to play behind, anchored by All-American candidates center Kevin Tuminello (6-4, 292) and right guard Andrew Gardner (6-6, 298). As solid and balanced as the offense is expected to be, the strength of the Yellow Jackets will be a defense that returns eight starters, highlighted by defensive end Adamm Oliver (6-4, 270) and linebacker Philip Wheeler (6-2, 230).
They lose several stalwarts, including quarterback Brady Quinn, receivers Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight, offensive lineman Ryan Harris, running back Darius Walker and defensive end Victor Abiamiri. Despite reports that freshman phenom Jimmy Clausen, a strong-armed drop-back passer, has elbow trouble and will need to redshirt, Weis said that if he was asked if Jimmy Clausen would be ready to sling it 30 or 40 times in the Sept. 1 opener against Georgia Tech, "the answer would be yes." QB Jimmy Clausen -- Expectations are off-the-charts for Jimmy Clausen, making it almost impossible for him to live up to the hype. Is his elbow healthy? Is he ready to start as a true freshman? He's a 6-3, 207-pounder from California, and whatever he does, it will be closely watched.
