Three storylines
Finding the offensive production. Statistically speaking, the Virginia Tech defense is no joyride. The No. 10 Hokies have allowed 86.3 rushing yards per game and are one of two FBS (formerly Division I-A) teams to hold opponents' completion percentage under 50 percent. While battered by injuries, the Virginia Tech defense will likely offer Georgia Tech its toughest challenge of the year.
Stopping David Wilson. If the Yellow Jackets can slow Wilson, who has a streak of six consecutive 100-yard rushing games, the way they did Miami's Lamar Miller (27 carries for 93 yards), defensive coordinator Al Groh might turn cartwheels on the sideline. Tech will need to fill gaps in the line and force Wilson to run sideways on carries to the perimeter.
Digging in deeper. The first three games between Paul Johnson and Frank Beamer's teams have been decided inside the final two minutes. A big special-teams play, a defensive stand or a long touchdown run could decide it late. It might be an opportunity for the Jackets' special-teams unit to rise up and deliver in the clutch.
A Georgia Tech win would …
- Give the Jackets a tiebreaker over Virginia Tech in the ACC Coastal Division race. To win the division, Tech would need Virginia to lose a third conference game, and Tech most likely would need to beat Duke.
- Be its second in a row over a team ranked in the top 10 (following the win over then-No. 5 Clemson). Tech has not accomplished that since 1959.
A Virginia Tech win would …
- Extend the Hokies' win streak in true road games to 12. Their 11-game run is an ACC record and the longest active streak.
- Improve the Hokies' record in Thursday night ESPN road games to 8-2.
Keep an eye on:
For Georgia Tech: Defensive back Jemea Thomas. He played the game of his life against Clemson with a pair of interceptions, a forced fumble and two pass break-ups. He'll also return punts for the second consecutive game.
For Virginia Tech: Wide receivers Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin. They give Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas a pair of dependable targets. Between them, they have 80 catches, 52 of which have earned first downs or touchdowns.
The numbers game
6 Victories for Johnson at home (in six games) against teams ranked in the top 25.
22 Virginia Tech victories in November ACC games (with two losses) since joining the league in 2004.
The history book
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 5-3
Last meeting: The Hokies came back from a 14-0 deficit by scoring the next 21 points and holding on for a 28-21 victory in Blacksburg, Va., on Nov. 4, 2010. The Jackets gained 15 first downs, tying for the season low.
The bottom line
After clearing the Clemson hurdle, another challenge looms Thursday night. Picked to finish fourth in the division, the Jackets can take a huge step toward an ACC title with a win.
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