From Deseret News archives:
Emerald Bowl matchups
The Emerald Bowl's most intriguing matchup. Utah ranks 12th in the nation in total offense, while Georgia Tech is 10th in total defense. The Yellow Jackets have proven especially tough over their past two games — allowing just 503 total yards and three touchdowns against third-ranked Miami and 13th-ranked Georgia. They allowed just 98 yards rushing and held the Hurricanes and Bulldogs to a combined 5-of-29 in third-down situations. Senior defensive end Eric Henderson leads the charge. He holds the school record for career tackles-for-loss with 59.5. Utah's offense is executing at a high level, but quarterback Brett Ratliff is still somewhat unpredictable despite a stellar showing in Utah's 41-34 overtime win over BYU on Nov. 19.
ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech
GEORGIA TECH OFFENSE VS. UTAH DEFENSE
If both teams play like they have in recent bowls, this matchup could be a dandy. However, if regular-season statistics mean anything, it could be a push. Neither squad ranks higher than 48th nationally in major team categories — though the individual matchup between Georgia Tech all-American wide receiver Calvin Johnson and Utah cornerback Eric Weddle, the Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year, is a strong headline act. Georgia Tech's P.J. Daniels has rushed for 426 yards and six touchdowns over consecutive bowl victories.
ADVANTAGE: Even
SPECIAL TEAMS
Utah kicker Dan Beardall claimed first-team all-conference honors after making 15-of-18 field goals and all but one of his 38 extra-point kicks. Georgia Tech's Travis Bell pales in comparison. The freshman missed six straight field goals at one point and wound up making just 10-of-20 on the season. The Yellow Jackets hold a slight edge in punting — though neither team ranks among the nation's best. Georgia Tech's Ben Arndt did, however, nail a 78-yarder in the win over Miami. As far as defending kickoffs and punts, Utah holds a slight edge with two blocks. The Utes, though, did allow a kickoff to be returned for a touchdown. Return yardage is comparable on both sides.
ADVANTAGE: Utah
INTANGIBLES
Georgia Tech owns the nation's best bowl record for teams with 20 or more appearances. The Yellow Jackets are 22-11 and have won their past two bowl games by a combined score of 103-24. Utah, meanwhile, is going bowling for the third straight season — something the Utes have only done once before in their history. As is usually the case in minor bowls, the outcome may come done to who wants it more. At 6-5, Utah is looking to salvage a disappointing season with its fourth consecutive bowl victory. Georgia Tech, however, has greater history on its side.
ADVANTAGE: Georgia Tech
