No. 17 Virginia Tech (7-2, 3-2 ACC, CFP No. 17) at Georgia Tech (4-4, 3-3), Saturday, 12:20 p.m. (ACC Network).
Line: Virginia Tech by 3.
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 9-5.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Its ACC hopes dashed last week with a 28-10 loss at Miami, Virginia Tech is now focused on landing a major bowl bid. That’s still in reach if the Hokies can win out. Georgia Tech is looking to snap a two-game losing streak and move a step closer to ensuring bowl eligibility. The Yellow Jackets are due to win a close one, having lost three games by a total of six points, including last week’s 40-36 setback at Virginia.
KEY MATCHUP
Virginia Tech’s defensive front vs. Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense. The Hokies have allowed just 122.8 yards per game on the ground, which leads the ACC, while the Yellow Jackets are again one of the nation’s top rushing offenses at 331.9 yards per game.
Virginia Tech: QB Josh Jackson. He leads all FBS freshmen quarterbacks with 17 touchdown passes and 2,228 yards, but he’s coming off a tough game against the Hurricanes in which he was sacked four times and threw a pair of interceptions.
Georgia Tech: WR Ricky Jeune. Georgia Tech doesn’t throw the ball much, but Virginia Tech’s aggressive style under longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster could open up some chances to go deep. While Jeune has only 20 receptions, he’s averaging 19 yards per catch with four touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES
Virginia Tech hasn’t lost back-to-back games to Georgia Tech since joining the ACC. … Georgia Tech has won seven straight games at Bobby Dodd Stadium, its longest home streak since winning eight in row over the 1998-2000 seasons. … Virginia Tech has been especially tough on third down, allowing opponents to convert on just 24.8 percent of their chances. … The Hokies have won three straight in Atlanta since Georgia Tech’s last home win in the series in 2009. … QB TaQuon Marshall is Georgia Tech’s top rusher with 870 yards and 14 touchdowns. … Hokies WR Cam Phillips is 112 yards away from breaking the school record for career receiving yards. … Seven of the last nine meetings between these teams have been decided by single digits, with an average margin of 5.7 points.
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