Virginia Tech is looking to right the ship after consecutive losses to Pittsburgh and California dropped the Hokies to 4-2 midway through the season. James Franklin's squad returns to Lane Stadium for homecoming, hoping to regain momentum before a difficult stretch of ACC play.
Georgia Tech enters the matchup at 2-3 after pulling off a 28-25 upset over previously unbeaten Duke last weekend. Despite their record, the Yellow Jackets appear to be improving, although injuries have left them shorthanded at several important positions.
With kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network, here's what to watch as Virginia Tech looks to earn its fifth victory of the season.
Keys to the Game: Virginia Tech's offensive line will be one of the biggest factors in Saturday's matchup. The Hokies have struggled with injuries and inconsistency up front, but Georgia Tech's defense presents a favorable opportunity to get back on track. You can check out Josh Poslusny's game preview here.
The Yellow Jackets have allowed 181.75 rushing yards per game against FBS opponents while generating just 0.75 sacks per contest. If Virginia Tech can establish its rushing attack and keep Ethan Grunkemeyer comfortable in the pocket, the Hokies should have opportunities to put points on the board.
Defensively, Virginia Tech must generate pressure on Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza. Mendoza has completed nearly 75% of his passes from a clean pocket, but that number drops to 50% when pressured. With Georgia Tech potentially missing its top two running backs, the Hokies could force the Yellow Jackets into more passing situations.
Hokie to Watch: Virginia Tech edge rusher Aycen Stevens could play a crucial role Saturday, particularly with Georgia Tech potentially missing its top two running backs, Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley. Their absences could force the Yellow Jackets to rely more heavily on quarterback Alberto Mendoza.
Stevens' physicality and ability to make plays around the line of scrimmage will be important in limiting Georgia Tech's rushing attack and putting Mendoza in difficult passing situations. His ability to pressure the quarterback and contain plays outside the pocket could also prove valuable.
If Stevens can disrupt Georgia Tech's offensive rhythm early and help the Hokies get off the field on third down, Virginia Tech should be in a strong position to control the game.
Virginia Tech X-Factor: Brody Meadows could play an important role in Virginia Tech's offensive success Saturday. The veteran offensive lineman has missed the past several games with an injury but was upgraded to probable in the ACC's initial availability report.
With Justin Terry ruled out and Montavious Cunningham questionable, Virginia Tech has been forced to experiment with several combinations along its offensive line.
Meadows' potential return would provide much-needed experience and stability against a Georgia Tech defensive front led by Tawfiq Thomas, who has recorded seven tackles for loss and two sacks this season.
If Meadows can return and help solidify the offensive line, Virginia Tech could have considerably more success establishing its running game and protecting Grunkemeyer.
Injury Update: Both teams enter Saturday dealing with significant injuries, although Georgia Tech appears to have suffered the more substantial losses.
Virginia Tech has ruled out linebacker George Ballance, offensive lineman Justin Terry and defensive lineman Emmett Laws. Offensive lineman Brody Meadows and wide receiver Takye Heath are probable, while Montavious Cunningham, Shamarius "Snook" Peterkin, L.J. Booker and Jojo Crim are among the players listed as questionable.
Georgia Tech has ruled out 12 players, including running back Malachi Hosley, defensive ends Jordan Boyd, Jordan Walker and A.J. Hoffler, linebacker Kyle Efford, cornerback Daiquan White and safeties Fenix Felton and Will Kiker.
Starting running back Justice Haynes is also doubtful. Haynes has rushed for 462 yards and three touchdowns this season, and his potential absence, combined with Hosley's injury, could significantly affect Georgia Tech's offensive approach.
You can learn more from Josh Poslusny here.
Visit List: Virginia Tech is set to host an impressive group of recruits today including several four-star talents in what is the biggest recruiting weekend of the fall so far for VT. You can check out the full running list from Tim Thomas here.
Tim Thomas
Prediction: Virginia Tech 38 Georgia Tech 30
Josh Poslusny
Prediction: Virginia Tech 34, Georgia Tech 20
Adam Firebaugh
Two weeks ago, this game looked like a lock for Virginia Tech. But after the Hokies dropped their last two and Georgia Tech found a way to knock off undefeated Duke last week, things are suddenly much more interesting. These teams are similarly adjusting to injuries in various positions, making it tough to predict.
The Yellow Jackets, like Cal last week, are down several key starters, including their top two running backs behind what's become a patchwork offensive line. Although the Hokies are banged up themselves, they're in better shape than Brent Key's group is.
Ultimately, I think this one comes down to the Hokies finding a way to get after Alberto Mencoza, who has struggled when facing pressure this season. Brent Pry has apparently forgotten how to blitz, but of all weeks, this is the one to bring the house and deliver a vintage Bud Foster-style gameplan on Homecoming. If the Hokies do that and are the aggressor on offense again–limiting stupid penalties in the process–against a pedestrian Jackets' group, I think they'll come out with a win to halt their two-game skid. It's not too much to expect, is it?
