ATLANTA --- Paul Johnson won't be the only triple-option expert at Bobby Dodd Stadium today.

Johnson's offense is difficult for Georgia Tech's opponents to learn in one week, and that advantage is a key to the scheme's success.

This week, however, Sylvester Croom will be on the opposing sideline, and the Mississippi State coach also has a long history in the triple option.

Johnson calls his offense a spread option, and Croom takes a more old-school approach when he spoke this week about the wishbone he remembers during his days playing for Bear Bryant at Alabama.

Each coach says it's a difficult offense to defend, but Croom didn't wait until this week to begin preparing his Mississippi State defense.

Croom began devoting practice time to the scheme before the season.

"We prepared, on a very limited basis, daily in practice," Croom said. "We had an option period every day back during training camp. I instructed our defense very specifically."

Johnson says he expects a strong defensive challenge from Mississippi State (1-2). The Bulldogs' problems on offense and strength on defense were both on display in the 3-2 loss to Auburn last week.

"Defensively they are probably the best team we have played, I don't think there's any question," Johnson said.

Mississippi State opened with a 22-14 loss at Louisiana Tech before beating Southeastern Louisiana.

Even during last week's 20-17 loss to Virginia Tech, quarterback Josh Nesbitt and the Yellow Jackets (2-1) have made steady progress in Johnson's offense.