Three storylines
Contain the burst. Georgia Tech expects N.C. State to unload on the Yellow Jackets, having been embarrassed in its last game and needing a win to stay in the ACC Atlantic Division race. Matching the Wolfpack's energy and getting early scores would go a long way to reducing the threat.
Clean up defensive mistakes. Missed tackles and incorrect alignments were among the miscues committed by Tech's defense Saturday against North Carolina. The Jackets have the opportunity to play a cleaner game and not give N.C. State any gift yards or points.
Who gets the ball? Last Saturday, wide receiver Stephen Hill had a career-high six catches and 151 yards. Two weeks ago, A-back Orwin Smith popped Kansas with 100-yard receiving and rushing games. With the Jackets' offensive balance and breadth of talent, it might be someone else's turn against N.C. State.
A Tech win would ...
- Give the Jackets their first 5-0 start since 1990, when they won a share of the national championship. Before that, the last 5-0 start was in 1966, coach Bobby Dodd's final season.
- Make the Jackets 2-0 in ACC play for the first time since 2006, when they won the Coastal Division title.
An N.C. State win would ...
- Be its sixth consecutive victory at home.
- Prevent Tech from winning its sixth game in its past seven tries at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Keep an eye on ...
For Georgia Tech: B-back David Sims had a season- and career-best 13 carries Saturday against North Carolina. With the Wolfpack thinned by injury on the defensive line, the Jackets may dial up Sims' number even more.
For N.C. State: Wide receiver T.J. Graham leads the country in all-purpose yards at 230.0 per game, boosted by 336 yards in a loss to Cincinnati two Thursday's ago. A deep threat and a dangerous returner, Graham is a game-breaking wild card.
The numbers game
11 Touchdowns that Tech has allowed in 13 red-zone possessions by the opponent, the highest rate in the ACC.
34.8 Tech's average penalty yardage, tied for second in the ACC with N.C. State. The Jackets averaged 53.0 yards last season.
The history book
Series record: Tech leads 17-10.
Last meeting: On Sept. 25, 2010, Tech played one of its poorer games of the season, allowing season highs in points and yards, having a punt blocked and converting four of 14 third downs in a 45-28 loss at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The bottom line
While Tech expects N.C. State’s best, the Jackets are the better team and should win if they play near their peak and avoid critical mistakes.
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