Fighting Gobbler Predictions: Hokies vs Georgia Tech
By Tim Thomas
Sep 13, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) celebrates with running back Travon McMillian (18) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. East Carolina defeated Virginia Tech 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies are ready for their ACC Opener against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Lane Stadium. These two teams had produced the winner of the ACC Coastal every year since 2005 except last season when the Duke Blue Devils won the ACC Coastal.
The “Battle of the Techs” has arrived and here are the picks from the staff of Fighting Gobbler for the Hokies’ ACC Opener.
Joe Vitulli
The Hokies will try to put the debacle of last week’s loss to East Carolina in the rear view mirror as they open ACC play with a key Coastal Division contest against Georgia Tech. The annual “Battle of the Techs” has been a key match-up in determining the Coastal Division winner as the two schools have won the division seven times over the last ten years.
The Yellow Jackets will take their unbeaten, but unproven record to Blacksburg where they will test their triple-option attack against Bud Foster’s defense. Foster and the Hokies have had more success than most against the unique offense but Georgia Tech has had its successes against the Hokies as well.
The key match-up will be who will control the line of scrimmage. If the Hokies can get consistent penetration on the Yellow Jackets, the Hokies will cruise to an easy victory. I see the Hokies righting the ship today and getting a quick win in the ACC. Hokies 27 Yellow Jackets 13.
Dwight Lester
The Hokies are on the rebound after a disappointing loss last week to the East Carolina Pirates. The Hokies will need to get the defense back to their normal dominating state. The defense will be tested again, however, as they welcome in the Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets come to Blacksburg with a 3-0 record, although they have not really played a quality opponent.
The game is the ACC opener for both teams and a win will be a step in the right direction towards the ACC Championship game. The Yellow Jackets offense is a version of a Single Wing, which gives teams fits as they control the game and shorten it down to just a few possessions for either side.
The Hokie defense will be ready and will overcome the injuries that have bitten them in the last weeks. Chase Williams and Kendall Fuller will have big games. The offense will take advantage of all the opportunities given to them and the “Freshman Movement” will continue to shine. The game is close but the Hokies rebound with a win 24-17. 3-1 and Hokie Nation still believes.
Tim Thomas
Last Saturday was very rough for the Virginia Tech Hokies as they were upset by the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. Despite the loss, the Hokies will be ready for this game against the undefeated Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets who will be looking for a big win.
The triple-option attack of the Yellow Jackets is very unique but it is something that Bud Foster has done a good job of shutting down. Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas has gotten off to a very good start this year but the Hokies will contain Thomas and force him to be a pocket passer.
Michael Brewer had a solid but not great game last week but against a weaker Georgia Tech secondary, Brewer is ready to have a big game. Bucky Hodges will give Georgia Tech all sorts of issues in the red zone while Marshawn Williams will do some damage. The Hokies will be very fired up and will get the job done in this game.
Prediction: Hokies 31, Georgia Tech 14