Three keys to a Hokies victory
1. No Choice but to stop the run.Georgia Tech leads the Atlantic Coast Conference with 219.0 yards per game, but it’ll be without its two top running backs, ACC-leader Tashard Choice (864 yards, 7 TDs) and Rashaun Grant (231 yards, 1 TDs), both of whom were injured Oct. 20. That leaves the Hokies, with the nation’s 10th-ranked rushing defense, to make big plays on sophomore Jamaal Evans and freshman Jonathan Dwyer (370 yards combined).
2. Make the right decision at quarterback. The Yellow Jackets are as tough stopping the run (87.0 yards allowed per game) as Virginia Tech, which once again puts the Hokies’ passing game under the microscope. Whether it’s Sean Glennon starting a second straight game or freshman Tyrod Taylor returning from an ankle injury, another efficient, interception-free game, as the Hokies achieved against Boston College, gives the Tech offense a chance to excel.
3. Choose to believe. Thanks to Virginia’s loss last weekend at North Carolina State, Virginia Tech still controls its destiny in the ACC Coastal Division. With last week’s heartbreaking loss to Boston College and last year’s home defeat to Georgia Tech fresh in their minds, the Hokies should be inspired to play well for 60 minutes in the Thursday night spotlight, instead of only the 58 they could muster against Eagles.
