Q & A: Charles Scott, LSU

CFI: Following a National Championship, how disappointing is going 7-5?

SCOTT: Of course in the past seasons we have been ranked top five, in the BCS and all the good things. We came out this year and weren't as consistent as we should have been and it showed. Teams made us pay when we made mistakes. That's why we are here now. That's why we are in the position were in at 7-5. It's pretty disappointing but we'll take it and we'll live with it.

CFI: Tells us why LSU will be up for this game.

SCOTT: We are coming to play. We had a pretty disappointing season but we still have pride and we still think we're a pretty good football team. We're not going to show up flat at all. It's going to be a challenge, everyone knows it's going to be a challenge and we are going to be ready to step up to the plate and face that challenge. Georgia Tech has a great offense, a good defense and a good team. Like I said, we're going to step up to the plate.

CFI: Being a big back do you crave contact?

SCOTT: Oh yeah. I love contact…I love it. I am a power back, (but) I have a little speed too…I'm not the slowest guy in the world but definitely not the fastest.

CFI: How good is your fullback, Quinn Johnson?

SCOTT: He is one of the key pieces. I can't even explain how important he is. I love him to death. Between him and the offensive linemen I don't know who to congratulate first because Johnson devastates linebackers. I don't think linebackers want to play by the end of the second quarter, not the third, but the second. Every yard I gain and every accomplishment I give credit to him and my offensive line because they played phenomenal this season. Every game I had holes, all I had to do was find them. They made it easy for me.

CFI: You've seen some of the top defenses in the country, which one stood out the most?

SCOTT: I would have to say Florida. Florida's defense just stood out to me the most because they were flying around. I would say they were the only defense that just killed us. I mean, they had our number…there was nothing we could do. I think they are the best defense in that nation and that's why they’re in the championship.

CFI: Which player?

SCOTT: I would say Jermaine Cunningham, defensive end…of course B-Spikes. I would say those are the two that stand out the most.

CFI: Will you root for SEC schools in the bowl?

SCOTT: Oh yeah. Especially Florida, I'm going to be pulling for Florida, Georgia, Alabama, I'm going to be pulling for all of them. I wish them well. I know a few guys on the team so of course I'm going to wish them well.

CFI: What can you tell us about Georgia Tech?

SCOTT: We have pretty much broken them down. I would say their strength is the D-Line. They got a solid front. Those guys go all out, they play hard and they’ve got motors. We're going to have to come up and take the line of scrimmage with our big offensive line and see if we can get it in the secondary a little bit.

Player Anatomy: DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech

By MATT MILLER

Johnson is quickly rising up 2009 NFL draft boards. His combination of size, strength and speed are the perfect mix for NFL defensive coordinators. Although there are questions about his consistency and tendency to cramp-up, Johnson has the look of a potential top-5 pick.

Character / Leadership Ability: Because of Johnson’s limited playing time, he has been unable to be a team leader. However, he has stepped up greatly in 2008 and is asserting himself better on and off the field.

Competitive Nature / Work Ethic: He’s very coachable; he has a great motor and is anxious to play well and please the coaches.

Football Intelligence: Until 2008, Johnson was only used as a situational pass rusher. The early results in '08 show that he is a complete player, capable of stopping the run and rushing the passer.

Size: With his tremendous size, Johnson is an intimidating player at first glance.

Athletic Ability: He was recruited as a tight end out of high school. He has very big hands, long legs and is a great overall athlete, still growing into his body.

Toughness / Durability: He has experienced issues with cramping and fatigue but has no real injury history.

Quickness: Possesses a great initial burst. He’ll always be the first man off the line.

Strength: Has the strength to drive his blocker in to the backfield—a good bull rusher.

Instincts / Recognition: Johsnon needs to gain some experience here. He needs more reps in run situations to better understand blocking schemes and play-actions. He will go all out to get to the passer on every play. He has dropped into coverage some as a LE and showed good ability there.

Pass Rush: Plays right end for the Yellow Jackets and has a quick first move. He will go over, around, and through a blocker. He has natural speed and strength but needs to develop a counter move. Johnson is so quick that he causes tackles to constantly back pedal. Can easily counter to the

Pursuit: Shows good ability to pursue away from his side but will occasionally get caught in traffic if the play is to his side. Johnson does a good job of getting around outside contain and will come down the line in to pursue the ball when it’s run away from him. He’s too fast for quarterbacks to run away from and he takes great angles.

Run Defending: He’ll get in trouble coming off the ball too hard and running himself out of a play. He reads the draw play well and can find the rushing lane and attack it.

Tackling: Johnson falls on a lot of piles and isn't the force you'd expect. He comes off his blocks well and uses his hands to good effect.

Technique / Leverage: Johnson aims for outside contain when he notices the ball is coming his way. He does a good job of keeping his outside arm free and driving the blocker but tends to come out high and flat-footed.

Photo Credit: Georgia Tech Sports Information

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 31, 1984: Virginia celebrates their first bowl invitation with a 27- 24 victory over Purdue with a trip to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Ga. Trailing 24-14 at the half, Cavaliers quarterback Don Majkowski runs the ball for the tying touchdown while Kenny Stadlin adds a field goal to take the lead. Late in the fourth quarter Ray Daly intercepts Boilermakers Jim Everett's pass to seal the win.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame