Oct. 2, 2006
ATLANTA–For the second straight week and the third time this season, Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson has been named Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Back of the Week, and Tech middle linebacker Philip Wheeler was selected ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week. Both played key roles in the Yellow Jackets’ 38-27 victory at 10th-ranked Virginia Tech.
The Yellow Jackets (4-1, 2-0 ACC), now ranked 18th, host Maryland (3-1) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field. ACC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FOR WEEKEND OF SEPT. 30
OFFENSIVE BACK
For the second straight week and third time this season Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson has been tabbed as the ACC Offensive Back of the Week. The Tyrone, Ga., junior had six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 38-27 road victory at 10th-ranked Virginia Tech Saturday. Johnson caught touchdowns on the Jackets’ first two possessions to help stake Georgia Tech to an early 21-0 lead. First he caught a three-yard touchdown pass on Tech’s first drive for a 7-0 lead. On the Jackets’ next drive, he took a short pass from Reggie Ball and outraced two defenders for a 53-yard scoring play.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Clemson center Dustin Fry was Clemson’s highest rated lineman in Saturday’s 51-0 victory over visiting Louisiana Tech. The Summerville, S.C., senior graded out at 93 percent and played more snaps (34) than any other Clemson offensive lineman and was a major reason Clemson rushed for 393 yards, the fifth highest team total in the nation so far this year.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Georgia Tech middle linebacker Philip Wheeler led an outstanding defensive effort in the Yellow Jackets’ 38-27 road victory at 10th-ranked Virginia Tech. The Columbus, Ga., junior had eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, including two sacks for minus-22 yards and a forced fumble, which proved to be one of the key plays in the game. With Georgia Tech leading 24-13, Virginia Tech opened the second half on offense and quickly moved to midfield when Wheeler came on a blitz and sacked quarterback Sean Glennon and caused him to fumble. Georgia Tech’s Gary Guyton scooped up the ball and returned it for a touchdown and a 31-13 lead.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Virginia safety Marcus Hamilton had a big performance with ball disruption in Saturday’s 37-0 win over Duke. The Centreville, Va., senior intercepted two passes (the first interceptions Duke has thrown all season) and now leads the ACC with three interceptions. In addition, he had a big hit on Duke QB Thaddeus Lewis to force an interception late in the third quarter that Virginia turned into a touchdown three plays later. Hamilton leads all active ACC players and is second nationally with 13 career interceptions.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Wake Forest placekicker Sam Swank kicked field goals of 52 and 37 yards in Saturday’s 34-14 win over visiting Liberty. The 52-yarder tied for a career-long and was the third-longest in Wake Forest history. The Jacksonville, Beach, Fla., sophomore also punted three times for an average of 46.3 yards per punt with a net of 44.0. Swank leads the ACC in field goal percentage this season making seven-of-10 attempts.
ROOKIE
In his first collegiate start, Miami running back Javarris James rushed 18 times for 148 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s 14-13 win over previously unbeaten Houston. In addition to averaging 8.2 yards per carry and setting a school record for rushing yards by a freshman, the Immokalee, Fla., product caught two passes for 22 yards.
