So far in the season, the dynamic senior has let the ball fly 26 times for 257 yards, two touchdowns and an ugly interception and tucked it in to run 28 times for 160 yards and a TD. The less that Washington has to throw, the better off that Georgia Tech will be. Key Matchup: Georgia Tech's Run Game vs. Virginia's Run DIn case you were wondering just how much the Yellow Jackets like to run the ball on offense, let this stat tell the story:So far this season, Georgia Tech has run the ball on 75. 34 percent of its plays (fifth most in the country).
He was held to just six yards on six carries his last time out in a 34-17 loss to Louisville but leads the team with four total touchdowns. The biggest playmaker for the Cavaliers' offense is Keytaon Johnson. Johnson has been used in a variety of ways throughout his Virginia career but primarily as a receiver this season.
After a 2-0 start this year, it's safe to say that expectations are beginning to grow. But a huge win over FCS Richmond and a one-point win over a Penn State squad that probably would have prevailed with me as its kicker don't necessary catapult the Cavaliers into the elite section of college football. A road win over a favored Georgia Tech squad would help them move in that direction and would set up an intriguing battle with No. 16 TCU.
Virginia vs Georgia Tech: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and MoreKevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe Virginia Cavaliers and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets go to battle on Saturday in an early-season ACC matchup. Both teams have looked strong to start the year. Virginia sits at 2-0 after destroying Richmond and escaping from last Saturday's duel with Penn State with a 17-16 win, thanks to a mistake—or four—from the Nittany Lions place kicker. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, is 1-1 following a disappointing yet fortifying loss at Virginia Tech and its disposal of Presbyterian.
Virginia vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: ACC Coastal Matchup Features Teams Trending in Different DirectionsDon't look now, but Georgia Tech seems to be figuring things out. Since a 1-3 start that led to the dismissal of head coach Geoff Collins, the Yellow Jackets have put together consecutive wins over ACC Coastal foes in Pittsburgh and Duke. This week, Georgia Tech will welcome in the only team in the conference without an ACC win.
The senior linebacker used his Bugs Bunny-like ability to be in about seven different places at once when he racked up 15 tackles and two sacks last week against Penn State. Against Georgia Tech's run-run-and-run-some-more style of offense, he might just have to double those numbers if Virginia is going to slow down the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech Player to Watch: Tevin Washington, QBWashington lines up behind center (usually), so he's technically listed as a quarterback, but when it comes down to it, he's just a running back trapped in a quarterback's body.
Sylvain Yondjouen, a native of Belgium, has 2. 5 sacks. While the pass rush has been a strength for Georgia Tech, it has not done a great job of stopping the run this season. Zamari Walton, LaMiles Brooks, and K. J. but Wallace are among the names to know for an overachieving secondary. When Georgia Tech Has the BallFor the season, no ACC team scores fewer points per game than Georgia Tech.
Johnson leads the team with 41 catches for 449 yards receiving, although his only touchdown has come as a rusher. Dontayvion Wicks and Lavel Davis Jr. are capable receivers as well. Wicks finished with 168 receiving yards and two touchdowns in last season's matchup. As a team, Virginia ranks just 10th in the ACC in total offense and 13th in scoring offense. In its first three games against FBS competition, Georgia Tech was allowing nearly 37 points per game. The Yellow Jackets haven't allowed more than 21 points in either of their last two games and held Duke to less than 300 yards of total offense the last time out.
Nate McCollum has emerged as the top target, already doubling his numbers the previous two seasons combined (15 rec., 123 yds. ) with a team-leading 29 grabs for 283 yards. In the red zone, 6-foot-7 E. Jenkins must be accounted for. Considering how last season went, it may be a surprise that the Virginia defense is playing better than the Virginia offense, but it has taken a step back in recent weeks. The Cavaliers have allowed 72 points over the last two weeks, which included 34 to a Louisville team without Malik Cunningham. Chico Bennett Jr.
Virginia vs. Georgia Tech Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over ACC football betting preview and prediction for Virginia vs. Georgia Tech in
The Yellow Jackets are averaging just 17. 3 points per contest, but like the defense, the offense has improved of late. Although Georgia Tech hasn't exactly lit up the scoreboard, the 26 and 23 points scored in the last two games represent the most against FBS competition this season. Quarterback Jeff Sims is in his third season as a starter and has played relatively mistake-free thus far but is questionable after suffering a late injury in the 23-20 win over Duke. Sims has a nice arm but also is relied upon to make plays with his legs. His 291 rushing yards are second on the team.
He accounted for 365 total yards and three touchdown passes last season in Charlottesville. Hassan Hall, a Louisville transfer, has been a nice addition to the backfield. Hall leads the team with 330 rushing yards and also can also catch the ball out of the backfield. He has yet to find the end zone as a Yellow Jacket. Bruising back Dontae Smith averages nearly six yards per carry and leads the team with three touchdown runs but those came against FCS Western Carolina. Malachi Carter, last season's leading receiver, has had a tough year while batting injury.
Georgia Tech ranks just 12th in the ACC in total and scoring defense, but things have been much better in recent weeks. Headlining the defense thus far has been linebacker Ayinde Eley, who leads the team with 67 total tackles and three forced fumbles — good for third and first in the ACC, respectively. Charlie Thomas is another solid linebacker. He leads the team with two interceptions. One thing that Georgia Tech can do is get after the quarterback. Keion White leads the team with four sacks while Eley is second with 3. 5.
Virginia vs. Georgia Tech Picks, Predictions, Odds The Virginia Cavaliers travel to meet the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for an ACC game on Thursday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta,