Florida State-Clemson and Virginia-BYU Highlight a Strong Slate in Vegas ACC Predictions Week 4
Saturday Blitz Vegas ACC Predictions Week 4
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies
Line: Virginia Tech by 8
Just when you thought Virginia Tech was back, Frank Beamer’s squad managed to fall flat on its face in a 28-21 loss to East Carolina. Now, the Hokies face a Georgia Tech team that hasn’t missed a beat with its option offense in Paul Johnson’s seventh year, moving to 3-0. For the Hokies, Michael Brewer is the key to their victory. He can’t keep throwing multiple interceptions a game, and that can be a killer against the Yellow Jackets, who’s style of play allows them to capitalize off of turnovers better than any team. Virginia Tech also needs to establish more of a running game, something that has eluded them early on this season. If they can hold onto the football, get the running game going, and their rush defense plays as well as it has been playing, then this should be a solid victory for Virginia Tech.
Georgia Tech, meanwhile, wants to play Georgia Tech football, but it’s going to be hard this time. Justin Thomas and Zach Laskey face a very good Virginia Tech rush defense, and don’t forget that this unit shut down the Ohio State spread offense two weeks ago. What reason is there to think they’ll have any more luck going up against the Hokies than the Buckeyes? By throwing the ball more, of course. Thomas has shown flashes of being a very good passer, and utilizing him more in that way this weekend with the option threat still there is the best way for the Yellow Jackets to win. ECU showed last week that Virginia Tech can struggle against a good passing team, so that should be the route that is taken. Of course, if Brewer becomes turnover prone, the Yellow Jackets will be able to go back to their rush-heavy offense to win the game.
Prediction
Georgia Tech will get a couple of turnovers and will try to stick to their running game, but it will be stopped by Virginia Tech. The Hokies have a very good rush defense and will show it on Saturday. The game will be close into the fourth quarter, but Virginia Tech will have no trouble eventually pulling away. Brewer will get into a rhythm and throw a couple of touchdown passes, and once they get a solid lead, Georgia Tech won’t be able to catch up.
Virginia Tech: 31 Georgia Tech: 17