Georgia Tech Head Coach
George O'Leary
On Tech's off-week preparations:
"We worked on a lot of the areas we needed improvement on, and I
don't think there's any question the bye week came at a good time for
us. We've gotten a bunch of players back that we had out. Some
injuries that were nagging have been termed better. We've improved on
some areas like run consistency, and our passing timing has gotten
better. We worked hard on pass rush and things we need to get better
at if we're going to be successful the rest of the season."
On NC State:
"Any time you face a quarterback who is a fifth-year senior with a
lot of experience, who is a play-maker, and they run the ball and
throw the ball consistently, your defense has its work cut out for
it. Defensively, they've changed somewhat from last years in that
they mix it up a little more with three down lineman and four down
linemen. Recognition is key in making sure we understand what's on
the field.
"They have outstanding running backs in Spikes and Robinson. They do
an outstanding job of running to daylight. They keep you honest with
the fullback inside. Their offensive line does a good job of putting
hats on people. Koren Robinson, the receiver, has come up with some
big plays in the passing game. They have a quarterback who knows what
to do with the ball. They're very dangerous offensively.
Injury report on LB Matt Uremovich, who has a contusion on his spinal
cord:
"Uremovich is out for the year with a bruise in a ligament in the
neck area. He'll be out for the season and re-evaluated in January as
far as what he can do in the future. No surgery. He has a ligament
that's bulging into the spinal cord. We're just not going to play him
the rest of the year and re-evaluate his situation in January after
he's had time to rehab it. At that time, we'll make a decision with
him and his family.
"He's down. He wants to play football. But it was better news than we
though we were going to get.
"You have the same people involved (personnel at LB). Ross Mitchell
will play a lot more now as a backup. With the move of Nick Rogers
back to linebacker, it adds more to the depth there already. They
need to step up and get things done."
On Tech's run of injuries:
"We've been nicked up before, but never for the season. Right now,
Ed Wilder is backed practicing and will play. But, really, we've lost
the entire starting backfield from the opening game except for Joe
Hamilton. It's been the most permanent losses for the year than I've
been involved in. Again, more and more people are getting involved
with playing time, and I'm thankful we have other people we can put
in there and get the job done."
Do you anticipate playing freshman RB Sidney Ford?
"We have moved him up (to the varsity). He's finally healthy after
having that groin pull earlier. With him and Gregory, Clinkscale and
Kitchen and Wilder there, we have enough backs to get the job done.
It's just a matter of them learning in a short span of time. I've
been pleased so far with the progress of the young players. (The open
week) gave us a chance to spend time with them and get them acquainted
with the speed of the game."
On Tech's other running backs:
"They're pretty much doing what Phillip and Joe did. They're not
used to the speed yet. They're pretty talented athletes who just need
to know what's in store for them. We've got Gary Johnson at fullback,
and Russell Matvay plays there some. But when you lose players who
have played, you lose something."
On Tech's defense:
"I don't think people understand from defensive standpoint how many
young people are out there. They're making great effort, it's just
sometimes in the wrong direction. I do think they're going to be
pretty good when they get their feet wet.
