Third-down defense is a telling statistic in most games, but it takes on even greater importance when defending Georgia Tech and its triple-option offense.
Limiting the Yellow Jackets' effectiveness in short-yardage situations could be a deciding factor for Georgia (7-4) when it hosts Georgia Tech (7-4) on Saturday (noon ET, SEC). The Jackets' unconventional rushing attack eats up yardage -- they rank ninth nationally with 260.3 rushing yards per game -- and time off the clock, especially when converting third-and-short runs that extend drives.
"They are very methodical. They manage their down and distances really well, and they stay ahead of chains.