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Tech looks to clinch share of ACC title against Deacons By Haynes Killen Sports Staff ATLANTA November 20, 1998
 Not since their national championship team of 1990 have the Jackets captured an ACC title. However, this Saturday afternoon at Grant Field, the Jackets will get the chance to earn a share of the ACC crown as they face the mighty Demon Deacons of Wake Forest. With a victory, the Jackets could presumably secure a berth to play on New Year's Day in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Yellow Jackets, (7-2 overall, 6-1 ACC), are coming off a nail-biting 24-21 victory over their conference nemesis, the Clemson Tigers. The Jackets relied on a 7-play, 57- yard drive in the last two-and-a-half minutes of the fourth quarter to score the game's winning touchdown.
Junior quarterback Joe Hamilton remains at the helm of Tech's conference-leading offense. Hamilton's statistics relative to the rest of the ACC's quarterbacks have declined, as Hamilton now is the third rated quarterback in terms of passing efficiency, a category he had commanded for most of the season. However, the decline in Hamilton's statistics is more of a result of dropped passes by Tech's receiving corps as opposed to Hamilton's accuracy. Do not forget Tech's last offensive series against Boston College earlier this season when Tech's attempts at a first down failed only after four of Hamilton's passes bounced off the hands of Tech receivers.
Nevertheless, the Jackets have an impressive receiving tandem. Sophomore Dez White has emerged as one of the premier receivers in the country. Although White had a shaky game against the Tigers, including a ghastly end zone drop on a 23- yard Hamilton pass attempt, he redeemed himself in the closing minutes of the game with a sweet 15- yard reception to Clemson's four yard line that helped set up Joe Burns' game winning touchdown run. White is second in the conference in receiving yards behind likely All-American Torry Holt of N.C. State. White is 14th in the country in that same category. Dez is also the primary reason why the Jackets lead the conference in kickoff return yardage.
However, do not count out the strength of Wake's defense. Although they are currently worst in the conference in total yards given up, the Deacons maintained a solid defensive stronghold last weekend against one of the country's premier teams, the Florida State Seminoles. The Deacs' defense intercepted two passes, forced and recovered two fumbles, and allowed the 'Noles only 24 points despite four Wake Forest offensive turnovers.
Head coach Jim Caldwell's Demon Deacons (3-7, 2-5) are looking to rebound from an awful offensive performance in a 24-7 loss against Florida State. Despite the offensive let-down, Wake still maintains a solid passing attack. Ranked second in the conference and 19th in the country in passing offense, the Deacons are led by the consistent quarterback to receiver duo of seniors Brian Kuklick and Desmond Clark. Kuklick, Wake's all-time passing leader, had a horrendous game against the 'Noles including an 11-41 passing performance with three interceptions before he was benched for junior Ben Sankey. Look to see Sankey take some snaps if Kuklick's passing woes persist. Clark, on the other hand, will be a definite threat against the Jackets if health permits. After missing the last two games with a knee injury, look out for a very fired-up Desmond Clark as he competes in his final college football game.
Don't expect Wake to rely on the running game. The Demon Deacons have the worst rushing offense in the conference with a horrible average just above 65 yards a game.
Obviously, the concern for the Jackets' defense is in stopping the passing threat of Wake Forest. Look for junior free safety Travares Tillman and senior cornerback Jason Bostic to see a lot of action in slowing Clark. Tillman and Bostic combined for 23 tackles in Tech's victory over Clemson.
The Jackets have won the last three meetings against Wake Forest, including a close 28-26 victory last season with Tech relying on a failed Wake Forest two-point conversion attempt with under four minutes remaining in the game. This weekend's game should provide for a lot of emotion as the Tech's seniors will play in their final game at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The emotion and excitement surrounding the bowl implications of this game against Wake are tremendous. A victory will almost assure the Jackets of a Gator Bowl bid to face the bowl committee's choice of the second rated Big East team or Notre Dame. More importantly, Tech can earn some well deserved respect after capturing a share of the ACC title.
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Copyright © 1998 by Gregory S. Scherrer, Editor and by the Student Publications Board
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