Georgia Tech-Virginia preview
Three storylines
Stop the run. Georgia Tech's run defense often operates as defensive coordinator Al Groh draws it up — linemen and linebackers stuffing gaps like corks, forcing running backs to run laterally. It's not often enough, though. The Yellow Jackets have allowed 100-yard rushers the past three weeks. Virginia running backs Perry Jones and Kevin Parks average 73.0 and 70.5 rushing yards, respectively.
Work the option game. Sub-standard performances by the offensive line and quarterback Tevin Washington and the scheming of Maryland's defense contributed to mediocre production Saturday. Coach Paul Johnson may dial up plays to expressly get the ball to B-back David Sims or A-back Orwin Smith. After lacking sharpness the past two games, Washington has a chance to bounce back.
Stay out of the trap. Virginia has a lot of cards in its hand. The Cavaliers have had two weeks to prepare for Tech, they had fall break this week (whereas Tech has had midterms) and they're undoubtedly eager to get payback for last year's loss to the Jackets and give them their first loss of the season. It'll be a test of Tech's mettle to play with precision and intensity.
A Tech win would ...
- Give the Jackets their first 4-0 start in ACC play since 1998.
- Make the Jackets 7-0 for the first time since 1966.
A Virginia win would ...
- Give the Cavaliers their ninth win over Tech in the past 10 games at Scott Stadium.
- Put the Cavaliers two games over .500 in October for the first time since 2008, when they beat Tech to improve to 5-3.
Keep an eye on ...
For Georgia Tech: Wide receiver Stephen Hill. As he and Washington have had trouble linking up, Hill has three catches in the past two games (for 90 yards). If the play-action passing game is working with Hill, it will be a huge boost for the Jackets.
For Virginia: Cornerback Chase Minnifield, recruited by Groh, will have something to say about how well Tech's passing game works. Perhaps the best cornerback in the ACC will most likely get his share of turns with Hill.
The numbers game
73.3 Percentage of Virginia wide receiver Kris Burd's 30 catches that have resulted in first downs this season.
13 Number of times that Tech has been 6-0 in the team's 119-year history.
The history book
Series record: Tied 16-16-1
Last meeting: The Jackets won their second consecutive game in the series Oct. 9, 2010, 33-21 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. It was the first time they had done that since 1990-91. Tech demolished Virginia with 477 rushing yards, the most ever gained by Tech in an ACC game.
The bottom line
Tech is the better team and could win big, particularly if the Cavaliers stay on the turnover bender they’ve been on. The Cavaliers have lost five fumbles and thrown eight interceptions in their past four games, after committing no turnovers in the season opener against William and Mary.
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
