9-4 (7-1), 1st Atlantic Coast - Coastal
vs
#13 10-2 (5-2), 2nd Big East

A lot of Georgia Tech fans found it a blessing when their starting QB Reggie Ball was deemed academically ineligible for the Gator Bowl. Starting Cornerback Kenny Scott also is academically ineligible. Ball did not have the season that many expected of his as he only completed 44 percent of his passes for 1820 yards despite having probably the best WR in the country on his team in Calvin Johnson.

Johnson caught 67 balls for 1016 yards and 13 touchdowns. Replacing Ball at QB in this game will be Taylor Bennett who appeared in 5 games this season. In the backfield for the Yellow Jackets is leading rusher Tashard Choice who ran for 1304 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Mountaineers have shown some troubles defending big receivers so it might be a big day for Calvin if he can get the ball in his hands, no pun intended.

For West Virginia (my other National Title pick) they are lead by a two headed monster in Patrick White and Steve Slaton. The QB White is known more for what he does with his feet (and his meowing) rather than his throwing ability. I will admit though, his passing has gotten better as the season has progressed. White missed the final 3OT victory over Rutgers but rushed for 1074 yards and 10 touchdowns. His counterpart Slaton rushed for 1733 yards and 16 touchdowns in an offense that averaged 302 yards on the ground per game.

That rushing attack will butt up against a Georgia Tech defense that only gives up 88 yards on the ground per game. West Virginia is also stout against the run only giving up 87 yards on the ground per game.

It is up to Patrick White to get it to his receivers Brandon Myles, Darius Reynaud, and even Slaton out of the backfield so the Yellow Jackets cannot sell out on the run. I am skeptical to believe that Bennett will be able to get the ball to Calvin Johnson much better than Reggie Ball did because, let’s face it, if he could then he wouldn’t be backing up Ball. The Slaton/White duo is tough for any team to handle unless Slaton fumbles ala the Louisville game. This isn’t going to be a blowout like most expect but I still see the Mountaineers winning. West Virginia 36-20

Brian -West Virginia
Husker Mike - West Virginia
Ron - West Virginia
Mountain Lair - West Virginia
Mr. Cornnation - West Virginia
Brian from CFR- West Virginia
Charlie - West Virginia
Chris -
Otto- West Virginia
Mrs. Cornnation - West Virginia