[SBRforum Staff]

Play GaTech at VaTech

Game Time: 9/30/2006 3:30:00 PM
By: Phil Steele
http://www.phoenixsports.com

Underdogs and #24 in the country, Georgia Tech is looking for an upset when they travel to Blacksburg, VA, this Saturday to face #11 Virginia Tech.

Last year, Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball missed almost the entire week of practice before this matchup and was far from 100% as the Yellow Jackets were walloped 51-7 despite their defense allowing just 320 yds.

Ball is now avg 148 ypg (51%) with a 7-3 ratio and 197 net rush yds and one TD. Wideout Calvin Johnson has 19 rec (16.4) and five TD.

Ga Tech is 13-6 ATS as an ACC away dog and is 6-1 ATS away including upset wins vs four ranked teams. While this is their first road game, remember they upset #16 Auburn last year in the opener.

Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon is avg 194 ypg (61%) with a 6-3 ratio while running back Branden Ore leads the ACC with 399 rush yds (5.5) and six TD. Va Tech has small edges on offense (#41-51), defense (#14-23) and special teams (#15-72 and has blocked kicks in 6-straight). The loss of wide receiver David Clowney however will force VT to adjust on offense. The added burden will be placed on the rush game which is averaging only 3.9 ypc vs inferior competition.

Now against a top-notch defensive unit (2.6 ypc) look for VT's overrated offense to bog down.

Forecast: Georgia Tech-10 Virginia Tech-13

Play: Ga Tech +9

[bigboydan]

I too would have a slight lean towards G-tech in this game, but i'm passing on it myself.

[darkghost]

I feel the play's on the under here. I grabbed it at 38 now sitting on 37. I see the line's up to 10.5.

[pags11]

I lean to this side, but can't trust Reggie Ball...