How can Tech beat Oregon?
The Calhoun, Ga., connection.
Maybe the news didn’t reach the Beaver state, but in Tennessee, this big news hit immediately: former University of Tennessee wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers transferred to Tech to play football with his high school teammates QB Tre Lamb and RB Adam Urbano.
The trio from Georgia has transformed Tech’s potent spread offense from a year ago into an unstoppable force that has defenses around the nation cowering in fear.
Last season for UT, Rogers led the Southeastern Conference with 67 receptions and 1,040 yards and was named a first-team All-SEC selection. Rogers is explosive and athletic, and he does not lack in confidence.
But why should he? In his first two games (without the benefit of spring practice at Tech), Rogers has eight catches for 163 yards and two scores – on 11 targets. That’s not all. Urbano has run for 140 yards/game and Lamb has added 317 yards/game in total offense. Add those staggering numbers to copious other talented receivers, a bouquet of tight ends and an offensive line that looks like they hit the Tech cafeteria four times a day, and you have a Tech offense that looks like they could outscore the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
Our defense, led by linebacker/defensive end Marcus Edwards, senior defensive back Will Johnson and sophomore Austin Tallant, is pretty good as well. They create turnovers and hit you with a big play just when they need it. We all know defense wins championships. This game may end up 114-98, but Tech’s defense will stand tough and stop Oregon when it needs to.
Don’t get me wrong. Oregon is good. They run the spread as well, albeit, the teams run two very different offenses. Chip Kelly is an experienced, smart coach. Marcus Mariota, Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas are an excellent trio themselves.
But Tech head coach Watson Brown just came off an Ohio Valley Conference-winning season. He likes the success his team has experienced. And he knows how to keep it going.
Lamb TD pass to Rogers. Urbano TD run. Lamb TD pass to Urbano. Shoot, maybe even Urbano TD pass to Rogers. Rogers to Lamb on the end-around?
The Calhoun, Ga., connection. Ask their high school opponents. You know what’s coming. You just can’t stop it.