No. 4 Virginia Tech Favored On The Road Against No. 19 Georgia Tech

NFL News - October 14th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The 19th ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will look to avenge last year's 3 point loss on Saturday to No. 4 Virginia Tech in an important ACC Coastal division matchup. The Hokies (5-1,3-0) are tied for first in the division and the Yellow Jackets (5-1, 3-1) are just one game behind. A second loss could be critical for Georgia Tech with their chances of reaching the ACC title game possibly fading if they should fall to Virginia Tech. The Hokies are coming off their 48-14 win over Boston College on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets came out ahead in a shootout against Florida State in which they won 49-44. Virginia Tech won last year's meeting with Georgia Tech 20-17.

Virginia Tech 's offense has come out of their shell in their past three games. They have rolled up almost 1,300 yards and scored 113 points. The offense is led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He has passed for 995 yards and 8 touchdowns this year. Their rushing game has been electrifying this year and has the league's best back in Ryan Williams. The freshman running back has rushed for 734 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Hokies are rushing for 208 yards per game and should fare well against the Yellow Jackets' defense. They are led in receiving by Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin who have combined for 624 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The Virginia Tech Hokies' defense had a great outing last week against Boston College and held the Eagles to only 45 yards rushing. They will need to follow up with that effort against Georgia Tech which is ranked second in the nation in rushing with 277 yards per game. The key for their defense will be finding a way to stop the Yellow Jackets' triple option attack.

Georgia Tech's offense revolves around their running game. They are averaging 426 total yards per game and are abusing opponents defenses with their triple option attack. Josh Nesbitt is their quarterback and has passed for 843 yards and 4 touchdowns. His affect on their offense comes with his ability to run the ball. He has rushed for 503 yards and 6 touchdowns on the year. Running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen have combined for 819 yards and 8 touchdowns. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has emerged as their big-play receiver and has 620 yards and 4 touchdowns. They will need to continue their success rushing against Virginia Tech and not be forced to go to their passing game.

The defense has caused some concerns for the Yellow Jackets. They have allowed 1,026 yards in their past two games. They must get better in the secondary where they continue to miss open field tackles. The athletic skill players for the Hokies could cause this defense some problems on Saturday.

The Hokies will come into the game favored by 3 according to BetUS sportsbook. The over/under is set at 52 1/2.

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