Here are the keys to victory for Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech when the Hokies host the Yellow Jackets on Saturday in Lane Stadium.
Virginia Tech
Create pressure: The Hokies have faced teams that typically don't surrender many sacks. The last four opponents -- Rutgers, Miami, Stanford and Boston College -- were fairly stingy when surrendering sacks. Tech recorded at least three sacks in each of those contests and has recorded at least two sacks in every game this season. Something will have to give against a potent Georgia Tech offense that tends not to play behind the chains. Notre Dame was effective at forcing third-and-longs and recorded two sacks. The Hokies will need to do the same.
Keep running: Saturday marks the fourth consecutive game the Hokies will face a rush defense that enters ranked in the top 30 nationally in stopping the run. The Hokies tallied 206 yards at Miami, 136 yards at Stanford and 368 yards against Boston College. What needs to give against Georgia Tech? More of the same. The Yellow Jackets have allowed 369 rushing yards and five touchdowns over the last two weeks, so there may be creases for Bhayshul Tuten to pick up yards.
Limit miscues: The Hokies played nearly flawlessly against Boston College. However, two third-quarter turnovers allowed the Eagles to cut the deficit to seven points. The Hokies will need to take care of the ball against Georgia Tech since the Yellow Jackets don't surrender extra possessions. The Jackets have committed four turnovers this season, so any giveaways will drastically reduce the Hokies' scoring opportunities. The Hokies have turned the ball over in every game this season.
Georgia Tech
Protect the QB: It will be strength on strength when the Yellow Jackets visit Blacksburg. Georgia Tech ranks third in the nation by allowing only three sacks this season. Virginia Tech is tied for third nationally with 25 sacks. The Jackets limited Duke to one sack when the teams met on Oct. 5. Why is that important? The Blue Devils are one sack behind the Hokies. A similar performance will be needed to keep the Hokies' pass rush from generating momentum.
Establish run: When Georgia Tech runs the ball effectively, it wins. It's as simple as that. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 244.2 rushing yards per game in their five victories. In the three losses? They average 91.3 yards per contest. Jamal Haynes is one of the ACC's better tailbacks and was instrumental in successful rushing days against Duke and North Carolina. He'll be needed after being limited to 15 yards on eight carries against Notre Dame.
Damien Sordelett (540) 981-3124
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