Saturday, September 20, 2014

Lane Stadium in Blacksburg

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

For the definition of 'letdown' look no further than Virginia Tech's 28-21 home loss to East Carolina last week following a huge 35-21 win over #8 Ohio State at the Horseshoe the week before. Things don't get any easier for the Hokies, who welcome in the undefeated Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-0) and one of the most impressive rushing attacks in the nation.

The Yellow Jackets have done what they're supposed to do thus far into 2014, beat inferior opponents by any means necessary. Georgia Tech has posted a 38-19 win over Wofford, a 38-21 win @ Tulane, and a 42-38 toppling of Georgia Southern to their 2014 resume. Virginia Tech represents the biggest test of the season by far but QB Justin Thomas is ready. The dual-threat sophomore has thrown 6TD to just 1 interception this season while compiling another 278 on the ground. The Yellow Jackets don't necessarily sting teams through the air averaging only 161.7 pass yards per game but their vaunting rushing attack has posted 306 rushing yards per game thus far, 13th in the nation.

Last week's loss to East Carolina was one you just can't have for a team like Virginia Tech who is looking to return to national prominence. The 21-28 upset shows just how debilitating a loss can be for a program as the Hokies are now questioning themselves instead of looking at a possible unlikely run to the inaugural postseason playoffs. Despite the loss, Virginia Tech still owns one of the most intimidating rush defenses in the country, allowing just 86 yards to opponents on the ground through 3 games.

Virginia Tech has won 4 straight over Georgia Tech and coach Frank Beamer has seemingly solved the Yellow Jackets unique triple option offense. The Hokies squeezed out a 17-10 win last season at Bobby Dodd Stadium even though Georgia Tech was driving to the Virginia Tech 24-yard-line before throwing an interception on fourth down. The 129 yards that Georgia Tech ran for against the Hokies was their low mark for the 2013 season and if Virginia Tech can move the ball at all Saturday it will help negate the run.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Betting Trends

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 1-2-0 Against the Spread

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 3-0-0 against the Over/Under

Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Trends

Virginia Tech Hokies are 2-1-0 Against the Spread

Virginia Tech Hokies are 1-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

09/14/14 Backup QB Brady Swilling Hand "?" Saturday vs. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Hokies

09/15/14 DT Corey Marshall Ankle is upgraded to probable Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 WR Carlis Parker Hamstring "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 DB Desmond Frye Shoulder "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 DB Greg Jones Hamstring "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 DE Jeremy Haynes Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 TE Kalvin Cline Knee "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 OL Kyle Chung Shoulder "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/14/14 TE Ryan Malleck Leg "?" Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
09/08/14 LB Sean Huelskamp Knee out for season
08/15/14 OL Mark Shuman Knee out for season
08/04/14 LB Devin Vandyke Leg out indefinitely
08/04/14 WR Kendrick Holland Shoulder out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Georgia Tech

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