Here's a Hastily Put Together Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech Preview

by furrer4heisman on Nov 9, 2011 11:59 PM EST in Virginia Tech Football

Yeah. This was supposed to be the big, extensive "What to Watch" post that I do every game. Then the Penn State BOT presser happened and I really just want to watch TV and Twitter in shock and amazement right now. Here's the important stuff:

Tackling, especially by the cornerbacks, will make or break this game. You have to minimize big plays and the effect they have. Wrap up, especially before guys can turn the corner.
Georgia Tech's defense has improve dramatically against the pass, but I think the Hokies can have some success throwing to the flats on quick outs and if they can get David Wilson involved in the passing game.
Also, I'd like to see Tech run out of pro sets and run it between the tackles. Running laterally is tough against this team because the Jackets' outside linebackers and corners are very good in supporting the run defense.
Turnovers and penalties will be huge. In Georgia Tech's loss to Miami, a fumbles punt return led to a touchdown and changed the game. In its win over Clemson, a Tiger fumble deep in its own territory did the same thing.
I think the talent level of Georgia Tech's QB and B-backs is down from last year, but those A-backs are really, really good and are most likely to be the ones providing the explosive plays, along with wide receiver Stephen Hill.
Teams have had success when they've been able to hold the B-back give play under three yards and have been able to get to the quarterback quickly to force him to either turn upfield to try and get as many yards as possible or pitch the ball. Basically, we need to hit Washington as often as possible.
I'm not very confident about this game. I think the move to put more agile defenders in there is a good one, but I just don't have a good gut feeling on this one going into Atlanta on a Thursday night game. I'll take Georgia Tech 35, Virginia Tech 24. We'll know within the first two possessions by each team which Virginia Tech team has shown up. Again, turnovers, penalties and other such mental errors will be huge in this one.

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Screw Paul Johnson

GO HOKIES!!!!!!!

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Nov 10, 2011 7:43 AM EST reply actions

Good analysis

GT has had a lot of trouble with runs between the tackles from an I formation (GT’s NT doesn’t beat single blocking enough to require a double team every play, so the ILBs have the guards crashing down on them), so I’d expect to see VT attempt to establish that.

Unless both teams are hitting big plays, or getting defensive/special teams touchdowns, I think the winner will score a little lower. 28 should be enough to win this game.

by Joe Hamilton's Chauffeur on Nov 10, 2011 9:25 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Pepto...here i come

every year this matchup gives me a bad case of the ’rhea. the gimmicky nature of their offense makes the prospect of losing to them infuriating. it is what is it though.

tonight’s beverage of choice…the pepto-bomb. a shot of pepto dropped in a coors light. much like tonights game, it could be a complete disappointment and leave a bad taste in my mouth.

by vthokiedsp1978 on Nov 10, 2011 9:29 AM EST reply actions

And Punting

If our 120th Ranked Punting game doesn’t step it up, good bye Orange Bowl. I knew we were bad, but we are DEAD LAST in average punt yardage and second to last in net.

by Duens-Capps on Nov 10, 2011 10:11 AM EST reply actions