Georgia Tech vs. Virginia

3 keys to today’s game

1. Keep the defensive momentum. After stubbing its toe twice in wins against Mississippi State and Florida State, Georgia Tech’s defense simplified its schemes and did what it needed to do against Virginia Tech. Can it keep it up? It couldn’t after it simplified things and defeated North Carolina earlier this season, giving up 487 yards to the Bulldogs.

2. Don’t take Virginia for granted. While it is somewhat amazing that the Cavaliers are on a three-game win streak considering the stats of its offense and special teams, a three-game win streak is a three-game win streak.

3. Jump out in front early. If the Yellow Jackets can score early, Virginia’s offense isn’t built for quick-strike comebacks. Doing so might give Tech coach Paul Johnson a chance to rest some starters and give some other guys like quarterback Jaybo Shaw, B-back Preston Lyons and wide receiver Quentin Sims some snaps.

A Georgia Tech win would ...

*Give it the head-to-head tiebreaker over two teams it would be tied with in the Coastal Division: Virginia Tech and Virginia.

*Be its first win in Charlottesville since 1990.

*Snap a two-game losing streak to the Cavaliers and be its second in seven games against them.

A Virginia win would ...

*Solidify its hold on top of the ACC’s Coastal Division for one week.

*Be its sixth in the past seven games between the two teams.

*Improve its lead in the series to 17-14-1.

Keep an eye on ...

For Georgia Tech: Roddy Jones. He began to warm up at this time last year, rushing for 75 yards on 11 carries in last season’s 24-17 loss to the Cavs. He’s been mostly quiet in the five games since returning from a dislocated wrist. He has rushed 25 times for 93 yards, and seems due to break a long run.

For Virginia: Running back Mikell Simpson. He averages 5.1 yards a carry and is the Cavaliers’ best hope of keeping the game close against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets are susceptible to big plays on the ground, such as Ryan Williams’ 66-yard touchdown run last week. However, Simpson sustained an injury two weeks ago and it hasn’t been announced if he will play. Virginia coach Al Groh doesn’t talk about injuries.

The numbers game

Consecutive losses for Georgia Tech in Charlottesville, stretching back to 1992. Tech last won at Virginia in 1990 when it the upset the No. 1 Cavaliers, 41-38.

18.7

Points per game being allowed by Virgnia this season, third-best in the ACC. The Jackets are scoring 32.4 ppg, second in the ACC.

History book

Last meeting: Virginia won 24-17 last season at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Series record: Virginia leads series 14-16-1.

The bottom line

Regardless of history, regardless of the Cavs’ three-game streak, this game shouldn’t be close. Georgia Tech’s offense hasn’t looked better and just beat one of the best defenses in the country in Virginia Tech. Now, as good as the Jackets’ defense looked in the first half against the Hokies, it showed some familiar warts in the second half. The good thing is Virginia’s offense might not be able to take advantage of them.

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