THREE STORYLINES
Can Tech neutralize Van Noy? BYU outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, a possible first-round draft pick, has size, strength and the smarts to flatten the Yellow Jackets' offense. The solutions are either running away from him, blocking him effectively or hope he spontaneously decides to embark on his two-year Mormon mission.
Will the road catch up to Tech? The Miami/BYU road swing represents more than 4,000 miles of round-trip flying, the longest set of back-to-back road trips in consecutive weeks in Tech history. Further, Tech will be playing at altitude. Against a physical opponent in BYU, the Jackets' fitness and mental toughness will be severely challenged.
How many quarters will the Jackets give? Tech led Miami 17-7 and were going in for another score before a fumble changed the game. Against Virginia Tech, the Jackets' defense stood tall after allowing the Hokies a 14-0 lead. BYU is not on par with Miami and perhaps not Virginia Tech, but the same inconsistent execution the Jackets showed against both teams most likely will ensure defeat.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Georgia Tech QB Vad Lee vs. BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall. Given BYU's success against option offenses, Lee will have to be needle sharp in making play changes before the snap and then in executing his reads in the option. And when the opportunity arises, a few big passing plays wouldn't hurt, either.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
BYUs pronunciation guide. Am I being Punk’d? — @BrandonGaudin (The Georgia Tech radio voice’s tweet was accompanied by a photo of BYU’s media notes, which includes pronunciations of the names of 42 players and coaches on the Polynesian-heavy roster.)
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