TechGator1066
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ACC Game of the Week Georgia Tech (3-1) at Virginia Tech (4-0) 3:30 PM EST ABC Saturday September 30th
Why to Watch: The Yellow Jackets return to Blacksburg for the second straight year with hopes of avenging their worst loss (51-7) of the 2005 season. But they should be in a position to do so coming off three wins in a row including a decisive 24–7 win over Virginia last week. Virginia Tech had major trouble beating a gritty Cincinnati squad as they had to score 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 29 –13. The struggles in last week’s game couldn’t have come at a worse time with a confident Georgia Tech team looking for revenge, and there’s still the question of how good the Hokies really are. They haven’t beaten a team with a win over a D-I squad. The winner of this game will take a huge step forward in the ACC Coastal Division race.
Why Georgia Tech Might Win: QB Reggie Ball is throwing the football less, but is more effective and efficient in doing so. Against Virginia, he only threw the ball 19 times but he registered 205 yards and two touchdowns. Oh, and no interceptions. Due to Ball’s efficiency the Yellow Jackets were able to control the clock, winning the time of possession battle by nearly five minutes. Cincinnati was able to dominate the clock against Virginia Tech, holding the football for over 34 minutes. If Ball and company control the ball for more than 34 minutes, Georgia Tech can wear down this Hokie defense by the fourth quarter.
Why Virginia Tech Might Win: Ore. Branden Ore. The Hokie running back is ranked 24th in the nation in rushing, averaging 100 yards per game. Against Cincinnati, he ran for 170 yards on only 25 carries (166 yards coming in the second half). For as good as Ore has been, the Hokie defense is still, well, the Hokie defense. This unit is ranked seventh in the nation in total defense, giving up an average of 224 yards per game. Much of that success is due to Virginia Tech’s aggressive defensive front creating pressure on opposing QBs. Ball has a history of turning the ball over when he feels pressure, so expect the Hokies to continue to get after the senior QB.
Who to Watch: When Georgia Tech comes calling, it means WR Calvin Johnson must be contained. His presence places a significant amount of pressure on Virginia Tech CB Victor ‘Macho’ Harris, Brandon Flowers and Roland Minor, who returns to the field this week. Harris had two picks (one returned for a touchdown) against Cincinnati and is an up-and-coming star in the ACC. But stopping Johnson is a different story altogether. The Virginia Tech trio can’t allow Johnson to beat them on deep routes downfield and they must tackle well when the 6-4, 235-pound junior catches quick screens and slants.
What Will Happen: The Georgia Tech defense will pressure QB Sean Glennon throughout the game and keep the Hokie offense off the field for minutes at a time. However, the Hokie defense will force Ball into mistakes and will give the Hokie offense advantageous field position throughout the game. The VT special teams will also turn the field with a key block or return in the second half.
CFN Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 ... Georgia Tech 17 ... Line: Virginia Tech -9.5
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Studio 60 on Sunset Strip
4.5
Why to Watch: The Yellow Jackets return to Blacksburg for the second straight year with hopes of avenging their worst loss (51-7) of the 2005 season. But they should be in a position to do so coming off three wins in a row including a decisive 24–7 win over Virginia last week. Virginia Tech had major trouble beating a gritty Cincinnati squad as they had to score 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 29 –13. The struggles in last week’s game couldn’t have come at a worse time with a confident Georgia Tech team looking for revenge, and there’s still the question of how good the Hokies really are. They haven’t beaten a team with a win over a D-I squad. The winner of this game will take a huge step forward in the ACC Coastal Division race.
Why Georgia Tech Might Win: QB Reggie Ball is throwing the football less, but is more effective and efficient in doing so. Against Virginia, he only threw the ball 19 times but he registered 205 yards and two touchdowns. Oh, and no interceptions. Due to Ball’s efficiency the Yellow Jackets were able to control the clock, winning the time of possession battle by nearly five minutes. Cincinnati was able to dominate the clock against Virginia Tech, holding the football for over 34 minutes. If Ball and company control the ball for more than 34 minutes, Georgia Tech can wear down this Hokie defense by the fourth quarter.
Why Virginia Tech Might Win: Ore. Branden Ore. The Hokie running back is ranked 24th in the nation in rushing, averaging 100 yards per game. Against Cincinnati, he ran for 170 yards on only 25 carries (166 yards coming in the second half). For as good as Ore has been, the Hokie defense is still, well, the Hokie defense. This unit is ranked seventh in the nation in total defense, giving up an average of 224 yards per game. Much of that success is due to Virginia Tech’s aggressive defensive front creating pressure on opposing QBs. Ball has a history of turning the ball over when he feels pressure, so expect the Hokies to continue to get after the senior QB.
Who to Watch: When Georgia Tech comes calling, it means WR Calvin Johnson must be contained. His presence places a significant amount of pressure on Virginia Tech CB Victor ‘Macho’ Harris, Brandon Flowers and Roland Minor, who returns to the field this week. Harris had two picks (one returned for a touchdown) against Cincinnati and is an up-and-coming star in the ACC. But stopping Johnson is a different story altogether. The Virginia Tech trio can’t allow Johnson to beat them on deep routes downfield and they must tackle well when the 6-4, 235-pound junior catches quick screens and slants.
What Will Happen: The Georgia Tech defense will pressure QB Sean Glennon throughout the game and keep the Hokie offense off the field for minutes at a time. However, the Hokie defense will force Ball into mistakes and will give the Hokie offense advantageous field position throughout the game. The VT special teams will also turn the field with a key block or return in the second half.
CFN Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 ... Georgia Tech 17 ... Line: Virginia Tech -9.5
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Studio 60 on Sunset Strip
4.5