VIRGINIA TECH (6-2) at GEORGIA TECH (5-3)
Thursday, 11/1/07, 7:30pm ET - Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Series Record: tied 2-2; Georgia Tech won last year's meeting 38-27
Stat Watch: 5.8 & 4.2...average yards per carry for 3rd and 4th-string Jacket RBs Jonathan Dwyer and Jamaal Evans
Brief Overview: The Hokies make their return to the field seven days after the collapse to BC, only to hit the road against a division opponent that is on a bit of a hot streak. The Yellow Jackets have won three straight, are coming off a bye week, and despite losing 1st and 2nd string tailbacks Tashard Choice and Rashaun Grant to injury, still have a potent ground game to throw at the Hokie defense (per the Stat Watch above). Both quarterbacks are still underwhelming, thereby leaving the game in the hands of the running backs and defenses. Statistically, the Ramblin' Wreck has the significant edge in those categories. The X factor in this one has to be the Virginia Tech mindset - have they just finally collapsed under the emotional weight of the April massacre, the ensuing scrutiny and pressure that the tragedy placed them under, on top of the crushing loss last week? Or do they wipe the slate clean and go into this one with a rejuvenated outlook?
Prediction: I really have no idea. But since I'm required to make a guess, I'll take the safe route and say that last week's loss finished the Hokies off, spiritually and mentally. I also think the Jackets will came out flat, based on their lousy bye-week track record under Chan Gailey (2-6 after that extra week off). Georgia Tech 16, Virginia Tech 13
Tune in tomorrow for previews of the other five ACC contests this weekend
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