Georgia Tech sophomore quarterback Josh Nesbitt will return to the starting job after missing nearly three full games with a hamstring strain. Freshman Jaybo Shaw, who is returning after missing one game with a concussion, might also receive playing time. Shaw played effectively in Nesbitt’s absence, leading the Jackets to two victories.

“It might be a situation where they both play,” Johnson said. “We just don’t know.”

Injury updates

Reserve A-back Embry Peeples (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game. But two injured players returned to practice Wednesday: backup linebacker Shane Bowen, who got hit in the head against Gardner-Webb, and backup B-back Quincy Kelly, who had an undisclosed injury.

“We’re probably the healthiest we’ve been since the start of the season,” Johnson said. “We’ve got guys back and hopefully we can play better.”