College football on TV
11/29/2003
GEORGIA (9-2) VS. GEORGIA TECH (6-5)
When, where: Today, 1 p.m., at Atlanta.
TV: Ch. 5.
Last season: Georgia won, 51-7.
Comments: Today's nonconference intrastate battle takes on greater importance given the new Southeastern Conference tiebreaker system, which incorporates BCS ranking. No. 5 Georgia may need to win to have any chance at playing in the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs' defense has allowed only 11 points per game. For the first time in school history, Georgia Tech has a 1,000-yard rusher (P.J. Daniels, 1,110 yards) and a 1,000-yard receiver (Jonathan Smith, 1,016). The 6-5 Yellow Jackets are bowl-eligible but may need one more win if they hope to reach their school-record seventh straight bowl game.
VIRGINIA TECH (8-3) VS. VIRGINIA (6-5)
When, where: Today, 1 p.m., at Charlottesville, Va.
TV: Ch. 5.
Last season: Virginia Tech won, 21-9.
Comments: No. 21 Virginia Tech, after winning its first six, has dropped three of its last five. The Hokies will have to settle for fourth place in the Big East after last week's 34-27 loss to BC. In that game, RB Kevin Jones gained 165 yards and scored three TDs while setting a school record with 1,419 yards for the season. Virginia QB Matt Schaub, after missing most of the first three games with a shoulder injury, has thrown for 2,266 yards and 15 TDs. The Cavaliers are likely headed to the Tangerine Bowl Dec. 22.
FLORIDA ST. (9-2) VS. FLORIDA (8-3)
When, where: Today, 3:30 p.m., at Gainesville, Fla.
TV: Ch. 4.
Last season: Florida St. won, 31-14.
Comments: No. 11 Florida has silenced critics with a five-game winning streak after starting the season 3-3. The streak has featured wins over No. 3 Louisiana State, then-No. 11 Arkansas, and No. 5 Georgia. No. 9 Florida State will be the Gators' school record-tying sixth ranked opponent of the season. The stingy Gator defense, anchored by linemen Bobby McCray and Ray McDonald, has allowed only 18 points per game. The Seminoles were dealt a major blow in the second overtime of last week's victory over North Carolina State when leading WR Craphonso Thorpe (994 yards, 11 TDs) was sidelined for the season with a broken leg.
MIAMI (9-2)VS. PITTSBURGH (8-3)
When, where: Tonight, 8, at Pittsburgh.
TV: Ch. 5.
Last season: Miami won, 28-21.
Comments: The winner of tonight's game claims the Big East Conference title. No. 10 Miami has struggled in November, losing to Virginia Tech and Tennessee, and sweating out victories over Syracuse and Rutgers. Over the last two games, the Hurricanes have failed to pass for 100 yards. QB Brock Berlin will start, but coach Larry Coker will not hesitate to turn to backup Derrick Crudup if Berlin continues to struggle. Last week, No. 20 Pittsburgh defeated Temple, 30-16. Heisman candidate WR Larry Fitzgerald, who caught two TDs in the game, has caught TD passes in an NCAA-record 17 consecutive games.
Compiled by Matt Doria
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.
