As Georgia Tech prepares to take on Duke on Saturday, coach Geoff Collins knows that for the Yellow Jackets to be successful in this game, and the rest of the season, they will have to control the line of scrimmage.

“Running the ball is always a priority in what we want to do,” Collins said. “We got a big (and) physical offensive line and an elite corps of running backs, so that’s always a point of emphasis every week.”

The Jackets are averaging 184.2 yards per game in five games. In Saturday’s 52-21 loss to Pittsburgh, Tech rushed for 73 yards.

Their running back corps consists of Jahmyr Gibbs, Dontae Smith, Jordan Mason and Jamious Griffin. Gibbs leads all running backs in rushing, with 239 yards on 63 carries.

According to The Weather Channel, there is a 58 percent chance of rain Saturday. With rain in the forecast, running the football and ball security likely will play big roles in the outcome. Collins is making sure his team is prepared.

“It was raining yesterday, and we went out and practiced in Bobby Dodd (Stadium),” Collins said Tuesday. “Today, we did half of the period indoors, half of the period outdoors. Tomorrow it’s supposed to be 80 to 100 percent of chance of rain here, we’ll be out in Bobby Dodd practicing in those conditions. During preseason camp, anytime there’s rain, we make sure we get out there and practice in it, so we understand those things.”

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres