2007 Humanitarian Bowl ($750,000 payout)
Fresno State, 8-4 vs. Georgia Tech, 7-5
It will be interesting to see how Tech responds to defensive coordinator John Tenuata as interim coach for this game before offensive guru Paul Johnson takes over for next season. I always think that defensive coordinators do an excellent job as interim coaches. Sometimes they can outperform their predecessors, Jim Bates with the Miami Dolphins several years ago comes to mind. Coordinators are underrated and we've already seen DeWayne Walker prove that he was capable of making an UCLA team that underachieved all season, get together for one final go round.
The Fresno State rushing defense will be put to the test often by a Tashard Choice, who's primed to have a monster game. He's gained 1300+ yards and will lead the ACC in rushing for the second straight season despite missing a game and playing through multiple injuries all season. The Oklahoma transfer should run hard behind a great offensive line and FB Mike Cox, who might be the best lead blocker in college football. I love great throwback fullbacks like Cox.
Fresno State also will be without their two top threats. Running back Ryan Mathews is out with a torn pec and CB/KR A.J. Jefferson who averages an eye popping 34 yards a return, is suspended for violating curfew.
Fresno State should travel better, but Georgia Tech is arguably the most talented team in the ACC. They lost to Georgia for the 7th straight season, 6th under Gailey in their last contest. I think the only thing that keeps the Yellowjackets from winning by 10+ points is awful quarterback play. They might have 3 different QBs rotating in, so getting consistent pressure in the backfield early will help the Bulldogs immensely, but they have no true pass rush threat so that might not happen.
Prediction:
Fresno State, 13 Georgia Tech, 31
Fresno State +6, O/U 54
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