North Carolina (1-8) vs. No. 18 Georgia Tech (7-2)
UNC
Without a win against a Division I-A opponent this year, the Tar Heels have done little to help their coach's job. Their only win of the season came against Furman, in which they survived to prevail 45-42. Opponents have outscored North Carolina 306-148, more than doubling the Tar Heel's offensive output. The team is currently tied with Duke for last place in the ACC. The two will meet in each of their final games to decide who will have bragging rights and will not finish last in the conference.
GT
The Jackets are on the road again this weekend. The team will travel to Chapel Hill for a showdown against North Carolina. With a win over N.C. State, the magic number for Tech to clinch the Coastal Division of the conference is down to just one. Tashard Choice and Calvin Johnson are coming off career days in which both had career highs in yardage. The defense continued to clamp down and allowed less than 70 yards of rushing in total. The Jacket's special teams unit will have to improve this weekend for Tech to win.
Four Key Questions
- Will Reggie Ball post better numbers?
While throwing four touchdowns, Ball only completed a little more than a third of the passes he attempted and threw two interceptions. His numbers cannot tell the full story of his play during the game, but with only 13 passes completed, Tech's passing game has been marred by uneven play. Ball has proven his ability to lead comebacks and manage the offense, but cannot continue his inaccuracy and hope to win all of the Jacket's games. With reliable catchers like James Johnson and Calvin Johnson, Tech's hopes rest on Ball's arms and whether or not he can connect with his standout receivers.
- Are Johnson and Johnson the most dangerous receiving threat?
James Johnson, a receiver who has been overshadowed throughout the season by Calvin Johnson, has emerged as a big-time receiver with 28 receptions for 405 yards and five touchdowns this season. This total includes four touchdowns in the last three games. In a loss to Clemson, J. Johnson made a particularly impressive catch for Tech's only points. In last weekend's game against N.C. State, Ball threw two touchdowns to each Johnson. Most defenses have concentrated on C. Johnson by double or triple-covering him. This has left the "other" Johnson open to make big plays for the team.
- Will John Bunting concentrate on the game?
North Carolina Head Coach John Bunting has already lost his job, but has agreed to stay on for the rest of the season. The Tar Heels have not won since the announcement that Bunting would not return next year, but have played with more emotion. The team was able to produce some plays against previous teams this season, but they still only have one win. The Tar Heels will look to get their second win of the season for Homecoming in Chapel Hill.
- Will Bunting insist on single coverage for Calvin Johnson?
Notre Dame Wide Receiver Jeff Samardzija had six receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown in last weekend's game between the Tar Heels and Fighting Irish. Look for Calvin Johnson to have another career day if Bunting doesn't stray from his philosophy of only single covering wide receivers.
