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Hokies Football: Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech Preview and Prediction

Last week, Hokie Nation learned that the end of the Frank Beamer era, the greatest era by far in Virginia Tech football history, is about to come to a close after three or four more games. In the wake of the Beamer announcement, Hokie Nation, led by The Key Play, launched the #GameDay4Frank campaign to bring College Gameday to Blacksburg for Beamer's final home game. After a whirlwind of emotions last week all over Hokie Nation, Virginia Tech fans can get a sense of temporary normalcy tonight against Georgia Tech in a battle of two teams in danger of missing a bowl game. Before the season started, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech were seen as the two favorites in the ACC Coastal with this game being marked as the game that could decide the Coastal champion. Instead, both teams need to win with the Yellow Jackets having to win out to make a bowl game. Bud Foster has been one of the best at shutting down the triple-option and tonight will look to Andrew Motuapuaka to lead from the heart of the defense. Defensive organization is important when facing the triple-option and the Hokies will look to the redshirt sophomore mike linebacker to help organize. Georgia Tech does not have the same caliber of wide receivers they had last year, and it would be surprising to see Brandon Facyson and Terrell Edmunds struggle tonight in the few pass attempts Justin Thomas is likely to make. Travon McMillian has been on fire for the Hokies, and seems to be gaining more confidence every single game. After facing tough Duke and Boston College rush defenses, McMillian faces a Georgia Tech rush defense that has average 4.8 yards per carry this season and recently lost their best defensive player, DT Adam Gotsis. McMillian has had some big games and tonight seems very likely to be another. Michael Brewer and the Virginia Tech passing attack has been starting to get in rhythm more and more every single week with talented playmakers led by Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges. Georgia Tech likely will focus on Hodges and Ford, leaving Ryan Malleck and Cam Phillips in one-on-one matchups that they can take advantage of. Justin Thomas and the Georgia Tech triple-option attack will come out desperate tonight knowing that a loss ends their hopes of going to a bowl game. Thomas may be the best triple-option QB Georgia Tech has had under Paul Johnson and while he doesn't have much around him, he will make some plays tonight. However, Virginia Tech's offense has only been getting better and the defense will make some plays in the red zone. Frank Beamer and the Hokies will improve their odds of going to a bowl game significantly tonight and get a win on the road in Atlanta.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Georgia Tech 20

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