GOT TO STAY HEALTHY
Quarterback Jameel Sewell and running back Mikell Simpson are expected to play today, which is good news for U.Va., but the Cavaliers can only be effective on offense if they can keep those guys in the game. The offensive line has to be more dependable (ACC-worst 24 sacks surrendered) to exploit Georgia Tech (78th in nation in total defense with an average of 378 yards per game, but gave up just 344 last weekend to Virginia Tech).
KEEP 'EM CONTAINED
Georgia Tech has had 35 plays of 20 yards or more this season, including 11 that resulted in touchdowns and 12 completions to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. What's the best way to keep Georgia Tech's triple option under wraps? Harass quarterback Josh Nesbitt, who is averaging 217 yards total offense per game, by sticking to assignments in the running game and not falling for play-action.
FINISH IN THE RED ZONE
U.Va. leads the nation in red-zone scoring (17 trips; 10 touchdowns and seven field goals), but Georgia Tech's defense has been solid stopping teams inside the red zone (25th in the nation in red-zone defense; 24 trips for 18 scores, including 13 touchdowns). The Cavaliers need to continue to finish strong.
CONTROL THE CLOCK
Last week, Georgia Tech held a nearly 17-minute time-of-possession advantage against Virginia Tech (including almost 15 minutes in the second half) and won 28-23. Last season, U.Va. finished with an 81/2-minute time of possession edge against Georgia Tech in the Cavaliers' 24-17 victory. Get the point?
WIN TURNOVER CATEGORY
After having a minus-six turnover margin in the season-opening loss to William and Mary, U.Va. has had a plus-nine margin in its last five games combined. That's important considering Georgia Tech, despite running the risky option, enters today with the best turnover margin in the ACC (plus-five).
Quarterback Jameel Sewell and running back Mikell Simpson are expected to play today, which is good news for U.Va., but the Cavaliers can only be effective on offense if they can keep those guys in the game. The offensive line has to be more dependable (ACC-worst 24 sacks surrendered) to exploit Georgia Tech (78th in nation in total defense with an average of 378 yards per game, but gave up just 344 last weekend to Virginia Tech).
KEEP 'EM CONTAINED
Georgia Tech has had 35 plays of 20 yards or more this season, including 11 that resulted in touchdowns and 12 completions to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. What's the best way to keep Georgia Tech's triple option under wraps? Harass quarterback Josh Nesbitt, who is averaging 217 yards total offense per game, by sticking to assignments in the running game and not falling for play-action.
FINISH IN THE RED ZONE
U.Va. leads the nation in red-zone scoring (17 trips; 10 touchdowns and seven field goals), but Georgia Tech's defense has been solid stopping teams inside the red zone (25th in the nation in red-zone defense; 24 trips for 18 scores, including 13 touchdowns). The Cavaliers need to continue to finish strong.
CONTROL THE CLOCK
Last week, Georgia Tech held a nearly 17-minute time-of-possession advantage against Virginia Tech (including almost 15 minutes in the second half) and won 28-23. Last season, U.Va. finished with an 81/2-minute time of possession edge against Georgia Tech in the Cavaliers' 24-17 victory. Get the point?
WIN TURNOVER CATEGORY
After having a minus-six turnover margin in the season-opening loss to William and Mary, U.Va. has had a plus-nine margin in its last five games combined. That's important considering Georgia Tech, despite running the risky option, enters today with the best turnover margin in the ACC (plus-five).
