What Tech fans need to know about Virginia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Record: 5-1 (3-1 ACC).
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Which quarterback will have the better game on Saturday?
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• Last week: Defeated Boston College 48-14 in Blacksburg.
• Last time played Tech: Virginia Tech won 20-17 in 2008 at Lane Stadium.
• Virginia Tech on offense: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running back Ryan Williams are quite the 1-2 combo. Williams, a freshman, is the ACC's leading rusher with 734 yards on a 5.8 per-carry average. He has excelled running between the tackles. There were preseason questions about Taylor's accuracy (seven interceptions last season) but he has found his groove the past two games for 533 yards and five touchdowns. What hasn't been questioned is his speed. He's only rushed for 95 yards this season but he can outrun a team's defense if he breaks containment.
• Virginia Tech on defense: This isn't the typical defense the Hokies usually field, but at 310.3 yards allowed per game, it's still effective. And like Taylor, it's getting better. The Hokies limited Boston College to 163 yards last week, including just 45 rushing. The defense has yielded an uncharacteristic 15 plays of 35 yards or more this season. Defensive end Jason Worilds is the player to watch. He has three sacks. Cody Grimm, son of former NFL'er Russ Grimm, leads the team with 49 tackles and three forced fumbles from his strong safety spot.
• Virginia Tech on special teams: The Hokies have returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns this season. They've also blocked a kick. And in "Beamerball" fashion, the Hokies are third in the conference in kick returns (24.2 yards per rreturn), first in punt coverage (38.4) and third in kick coverage (44.8).
• What you need to know: Should Georgia Tech win, and then should Virginia Tech and Miami win out, the tie-breaker could likely come all the way down to highest BCS ranking. The first BCS rankings come out on Sunday.
• What you may not know: While Tech uses a turkey-like bird as a mascot, Hokie is actually a word invented in 1896 by student O.M. Stull, who used it in a cheer about the school. He won first prize.
• Coach: Frank Beamer is 182-90-2 in 22 seasons at Virginia Tech and 224-113-4 in 28 seasons overall.
More on the Web: Virginia Tech Athletics
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