THREE STORYLINES
Can Georgia Tech hold onto the rock? The Yellow Jackets' five-turnover game against Virginia made the one-turnover effort against Syracuse look like an aberration, as Tech had eight giveaways in the three previous games. The Jackets probably won't be able to count much on Pittsburgh largesse — the Panthers committed one turnover in the past three games.
Will the Jackets secure their bowl trip? Despite reaching five wins with four games to play, Tech's chances of earning bowl eligibility are a little ticklish. Since the schedule includes two FCS teams and only one win against an FCS team can count toward the six-win requirement, the 5-3 Jackets need to beat Pitt or they'll have to beat Clemson or Georgia to make their 17th consecutive bowl.
Who is in Tom Savage's face? For Tech to play better pass defense than it did last week against Virginia (43 receptions, 376 passing yards), one of two things probably needs to happen — either the Jackets' defensive backs tighten coverages against a Pittsburgh receiving tandem that's an upgrade from last week, or the Tech defensive front consistently harasses Savage, the Pitt quarterback.
MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Tech RG Shaquille Mason vs. Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald. Donald has the most career sacks among active players (26.5; Tech DE Jeremiah Attaochu is tied for fourth with 23.0) and this season ranks second in the country in tackles per loss per game (1.9). Mason and left guard Trey Braun will have to summon superior efforts to keep Donald from taking the game over.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
“I just passed Darth Vader on campus, this would be normal even if it wasn’t Halloween. #OnlyAtTech” — @WillJackson52 (Tech offensive lineman Will Jackson)
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