Virginia Tech Football: Hokies look to remain atop ACC vs. Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech football remains in control of the ACC Coastal division with a potential championship match looming vs. Clemson in December. For now, the Hokies must focus on the task at hand.

That means welcoming Georgia Tech to Lane Stadium for a key showdown this Saturday night. The Hokies are 4-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference, with the Yellow Jackets sitting at 3-4 and 1-3.

Ryan Willis has taken over the offense since an injury to Joshua Jackson, racking up over 1,000 yards and an 8-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ration. His favorite target is Damon Hazelton, who has 29 receptions for 515 yards and five touchdowns.

As always, Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson counter with the triple-option attack. TaQuon Marshall has 645 yards passing and 598 yards rushing, including 12 total touchdowns.

Virginia Tech’s defense, led by Bud Foster, has struggled this year, allowing almost 25 points and 419 yards per game. One positive, though, is that 296 of those come through the air, to which the Yellow Jackets are averaging just 101 yards passing a game.

Georgia Tech is coming off a 28-14 loss to Duke two week ago, with the Hokies having picked up a 22-19 win vs. North Carolina that same weekend.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s conference contest between Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Venue: Lane Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN | Fubo TV

Keys to Victory

As always with playing the triple-option, assignment football is key for the Virginia Tech defense. Typically, the Hokies are a smart, sound unit on that side of the field, but they have had their struggles this year.

The Yellow Jackets will try to exploit those holes with their 352-yard-per-game rushing attack. TaQuon Marshall is experienced, though he has had problems with making the correct read this season at times. Georgia Tech is averaging over 37 points per game.

Steven Peoples could be the key to the entire game. If the Hokies can utilize the running back, they will keep the ball from the Yellow Jackets and should be able to outscore their ACC rival.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Point Spread: Virginia Tech -3
Over/Under: 58.5

Prediction

Despite losses to Notre Dame and Old Dominion, Virginia Tech remains in complete control of its own destiny in the ACC, with a spot in the conference title game serving as the light at the end of the tunnel. The loss at home to the Irish showed several flaws in this team.

Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson know how to exploit problems and the Yellow Jackets have the kind of skill players to do just that.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 31, Virginia Tech 30