It’s been said that if you are going to play Georgia Tech or any option offense, it’s best to face it in a season opener or in a bowl game so that you have an extended period of time to prepare and practice. Unfortunately for No. 11 Miami, which is coming off an emotional, hard-fought win on the road against Florida State, it doesn’t have that luxury.



Georgia Tech is coming off an idle week and travels south to face the best defense it will have seen to this point. So why is it that even the best defenses in the country despise defending option football? Because the option employed by Georgia Tech neutralizes the athletic advantages Miami has over the Yellow Jackets, and it is a scheme teams see infrequently in college football today.



The Miami defense must rely on the strength of its linebacking unit if it hopes to stymie the Georgia Tech attack. The trio of Zach McCloud, Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman are the key. Why? Let’s take a look...