So while there's no denying this would have been a boring defensive affair at first glance, deeper looks show that you'll be lucky to see 20 total points if these defenses are playing up to their potential, and both offenses continue to struggle. Both teams average over 22 ppg, but both have padded stats playing teams like Samford, Troy, and FAMU. Miami is admittedly more innept at scoring then Georgia Tech, scoring 30+ points in only 2 of their games, though GaTech has only done so in 3 of their games.

For both teams, this is the game of the year. As important as last weeks game against Clemson was for national rankings, in terms of getting to the ACC title game, and the BCS bowl bid, no game is more important this year for  either team, but more so for GaTech. Past Miami, GaTech faces NC State, UNC, and Duke for ACC play, and a season cap at Georgia. If GaTech beats Miami, it would only 2 more ACC wins, and with UNC and Duke on their schedule, that would be almost assured. Beyond this, though, for Miami lies a tougher road. If they do beat GaTech, they still have to go home and beat VaTech, who just dismantled Clemson this past thursday, for homecoming. Unlike GaTech, though, Miami would have to win another 2 (unless GaTech loses again) ACC games in order to assure it's position atop the ACC Coastal Division.

First, though, both teams would have to win this first game. How are they supposed to do that with such daunting defenses? Run. It's as simple as that, whoever establishes the run, wins this game. While GaTech is the better rushing team, averaging 40 more yards a game, they will have to go up to the restocked Miami front four, who have still yet to give up 100 yards rushing in a game this season. No other team can lay claim to a rush defense like that, not even Texas. Javarris James has been MIA for a while, and Miami will need a huge game out of him to pull off the upset. If he can get at least 90-100 yards, on a decent number of carries, say 20, and have backup's Charlie Jones and Moss provide some key rushes, then Miami can count on it's defense to hold GaTech to one or two scores.

This is really a race to 21. Neither team will probably make it, but if one does, barring a collapse by either defense, you can have them crowned the winner. Home field advantage will be key for GaTech, but one wonders about their confidence after that Clemson embarrassment. This is going to be a much closer game then anybody expects, and a lot harder fought as well, but it's going to be an ugly defensive affair. Final prediction:

Miami:17
GaTech:14