For the first time in a long time, Virginia Tech heads to Atlanta not having to worry about the triple option as they take on a rebuilding Georgia Tech in year 1 under Geoff Collins. The Yellow Jackets have had Fuente's number with VT being 0-3 the past 3 years, but VT has lots of reason for optimism going 4-1 in their past 5 games while Georgia Tech has shown promise but it clearly the worst team in the Coastal.
Will the Hokies take care of business or will Georgia Tech pull off the upset? Here's our picks for today's game plus all of our pregame coverage.
- Keys to the Game (By Mike McDaniel)
- The Opposing 5 On Georgia Tech With Jeffrey Fann
- Key Matchups (By Grant Atkinson)
- VT Embraces "After Duke" Mentality (By Andy Loce)
- VT Uniforms vs. GT (By Tim Thomas)
Tim Thomas
While this could be a trap game, Virginia Tech should carry a chip on their shoulder having lost three-straight games to Georgia Tech. Combine that with Georgia Tech in a mass rebuild, and this has the recipe to be a rout today in Atlanta.
The Hokies' offense has found their rhythm with Hendon Hooker at the helm having scored 30+ points in all four of his starts. Georgia Tech's secondary has been solid, but their defensive line has struggled a lot and should give Hooker plenty of time to make plays.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech's offense has shown some promise, but has been very inconsistent with James Graham having lots of ups and downs. While they did well in the first half at UVA, this offense has struggled overall and will struggle again today against a VT defense playing with more confidence.
While this could be a trap game, Virginia Tech will show up and take care of business with another dominant performance.
Pick: Virginia Tech 35, Georgia Tech 13
Grant Atkinson
The Hokies are riding high after taking down their first ranked opponent in Lane Stadium since 2009. Virginia Tech was churning on all cylinders during that game.
This week, the Hokies will battle a Georgia Tech team that is not nearly as talented on paper. Still, Virginia Tech can’t afford to take them lightly.
So far this season, this Virginia Tech team has not been tested in how they will respond after a big win. That could be a challenge, but one I think the Hokies are up to.
Overall, Virginia Tech is just more talented on both sides of the ball. Georgia Tech may keep it close for a half, but I see the Hokies pulling away in the end.
Pick: Virginia Tech 27, Georgia Tech 10
Andy Loce
After a dominating second half performance against Wake Forest last Saturday, the Hokies are hoping to carry that momentum down to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech.
This game will provide a test for the Hokies, just like any other ACC road game the Hokies have faced this season; but in recent memory the Yellow Jackets have provided some strong performances against Virginia Tech.
In four of the previous five meetings, Georgia Tech has prevailed over Virginia Tech including last year’s 49-28 romp in Blacksburg where the Yellow Jackets' option offense was dominant.
Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech head into Saturday’s game trending in the opposite direction, with the Yellow Jackets having a 1-5 ACC record and losers in five of their previous six matchups. On the other hand, the Hokies are coming into Saturday with three straight ACC victories and winners in four of their previous five matchups.
For the Hokies on Saturday, the key component is keeping their head in the game. This could be a so called “trap” game for Virginia Tech, and they are going to have to make sure they do not let this game slip away from them. With a 7-3 Pittsburgh coming to Lane Stadium next Saturday and a trip to Charlottesville to take on a potential 8-3 Virginia Cavaliers team on Nov. 29th, Virginia Tech is going to have to avoid overlooking GT.
For the Yellow Jackets, they will fall short of getting to .500 for another season, but now they have the opportunity to play spoiler in the next few weeks. Looking at some previous matchups, it looks like the Yellow Jackets can move the ball and keep themselves in the game. If they are able to do so on Saturday, that could create some pressure for the Hokies late into the game.
If Virginia Tech is able to win on Saturday, it will mark the achievement of making twenty-seven straight seasons of making a bowl game and keep control of their destiny to make the ACC Championship game. I can see this matchup being a battle, and although the game will stay close throughout the afternoon, the Hokies will prevail in Atlanta and make it four straight ACC wins.