It's crunch time. Last Saturday's decisive loss to Miami knocked No. 18 Virginia (7-2, 4-2) out of first place in the ACC. The Cavaliers can still tie for first in the ACC if they win their last two games of the season beginning with this week's test at Georgia Tech.
The Cavaliers' have come to depend on their offensive line which not only has size but also agility. Virginia's rushing offense is ranked eighth in the country with 258 yards per game and 28 touchdowns, and 5.29 yards per carry.
The Cavaliers "have a massive offensive line and those guys can all move, so we're definitely going to have our work cut out for us this week," Georgia Tech defensive lineman Joe Anoai said.
The Yellow Jackets' defensive line may just be the match for Virginia's rush attack. Georgia Tech's run defense is ranked 14th in the nation and second in the ACC, allowing 107.0 yards per game, nine total touchdowns and 3.22 yards per carry average.
"Like most of these top run defenses, they do everything they can to crowd the point of attack," Virginia Coach Al Groh said. "They're going to get as many people to that area as they can. It looks like a New York City subway station. That's been the case on many other occasions too. Each team's got their own little way in getting a lot of guys there, but they all really all have the same motive in what they're trying to do on defense."
With experience from playing as a true freshman last year, sophomore Anoai has been able to make big plays for the defensive line this season. According to Anoai, opposing offensive players are intimidated by junior defensive end Travis Parker, allowing him to step in and make the tackle.
Anoai may derive his natural athletic ability from a family of professional athletes; both his brother and cousin wrestle for the WWE.
For now Anoai has decided to pursue football, but he has given some thought to following his relatives' footsteps.
"I've always thought about my character more than what I'd wear," Anoai said. "I wouldn't want to run out there in a thong like my cousin does. I'd go more standard like the Rock, boots and stuff. Bigger underwear at least."
Anoai is just one of several players that make up the successful Georgia Tech defensive line. Darryl Richard may follow Anoai's lead at 6-foot-4-inch, 300 lbs by making an impact as a true freshman on the defensive line.
"I think [Defensive Coordinator Jon] Tenuta and his staff are some of the best in the nation at getting people in a position to use their talent," Georgia Tech coach Chan Gaily said. "They do a good job mixing it up [with the blitz] so people can't get a good read on it."
The coaching staff and the defensive lineman at Georgia Tech have proved to be a winning combination this season, but the Cavaliers cannot let their rush attack suffer if they want to seal the victory this Saturday and become one step closer to regaining their spot at the top of the ACC.
Read More
Freshman excellence powers No. 5 men’s tennis past Boise State, No. 19 Alabama
By Thomas Baxter | 3 hours agoVirginia, unlike many other regional hosts, held serve as its quartet's top seed.
No. 1 women’s swimming and diving destroys No. 2 Texas
By Xander Tilock | 6 hours agoOnce again, Virginia has proven to be head and shoulders above other top programs.
Women’s basketball goes scoreless in the final three minutes of a 68-65 loss to Louisville
By Xander Tilock | 10 hours agoThe Cavaliers have now lost three straight ACC games.
