Georgia Tech made two notable changes in the defensive starting lineup. Lineman Patrick Gamble, who has been a backup tackle, started at one end opposite KeShun Freeman, replacing Kyle Travis. The senior had started the past four games.
Coaches also put Corey Griffin in the starting 11 at free safety in place of Jamal Golden, who had started the first eight games of the season. Coaches had mentioned a desire to get more production out of both positions.
Gamble made one tackle in the first half, bringing down Virginia running back Kevin Parks for no gain in the first quarter.
Tech also made a tactical change, going to a 3-3-5 look third-and-long situations, using Adam Gotsis and Freeman at end and Shawn Green as tackle. Fixing third-down defense has been a high priority, as the Jackets came into the game ranked 125th in the country in third-down conversion rate at 52.13 percent.
Virginia was 2-for-7 on third downs in the first half.
