Here's the thing: It's late November, and I still haven't seen Paul Johnson's offense in all its retro glory at Georgia Tech. I'm out of the range of regional ACC games on ABC and Raycom, and the Jackets' ESPNU game earlier in the year with Duke was, let's just say, not that high on my list of viewing priorities that afternoon.

I have, however, seen Miami's defense, and if the front seven's domination of Virginia Tech last Thursday was any indication, these aren't going to be ideal conditions for the flexbone. It helps against a fast, aggressive (and very young, at times) D like Miami's to operate on misdirection and good decision-making more than barreling straight ahead like the Hokies, but if there's one aspect of these Canes that looks sufficiently Cane-like, in the nostalgic sense, it's that defensive line.

Two notes: One, win or lose, almost all of the ACC games involving these two teams have been extremely close -- five of seven for Georgia Tech have been decided by a touchdown or less, and five of six for Miami. Two, from Miami's perspective, playing two straight mid-week games is tough -- South Carolina, Louisville and Virginia Tech this year have all lost the second round of weekday games on the road after winning the previous week at home.

What: Thursday night live blog, Miami at Georgia Tech. All comments welcome. Priority to snark, irreverence and other displays of wit.
When: Game broadcast begins at 7:30 Eastern; blog kicks roughly simultaneously.
Why: If you're new to the flexbone, and suspect there's something vaguely dirty about it, you might as well disabuse yourself of that notion: It's a perfectly respectable offense that's justing waiting for the right program to break it big (though, if executed properly, it can be somewhat arousing at times).
Who: You, of course, and all the solemn victims of the ratio. If the romantic Atlanta skyline doesn't do the trick, I don't know what will.