GEORGIA TECH AT VIRGINIA TECH
When: noon Saturday
TV: ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech by 8
WHAT TO EXPECT
Georgia Tech on offense: To counter Virginia Tech's upfront pressure, the Yellow Jackets will need to respond with big plays in the passing game. That puts the onus on the line to give quarterback Justin Thomas time to throw to wide receivers DeAndre Smelter and Darren Waller.
Virginia Tech on offense: Quarterback Michael Brewer, a transfer from Texas Tech, is an accurate passer and will take deep shots. The Hokies use two freshmen at running back, Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie. The latter strongly considered the Jackets before selecting the Hokies.
Georgia Tech on defense: The Jackets are on high alert after a messy second half against Georgia Southern, a toxic blend of bad tackling, lack of focus and poor pass defense. The first thing that Tech will need to do better is tackle. Next is stay away from the big plays that have strafed the defense in the first three games.
Virginia Tech on defense: The Hokies are tied for No. 3 in the country in third-down defense, at 23.3 percent. They've done it with negative plays on first and second downs to force third-and-long situations. Virginia Tech has 26 tackles for loss. Linebacker Deon Clarke and defensive end Dadi Nicolas have five each.
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