GAME NOTES: The 11th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies seek redemption in yet another Thursday night affair, as they travel to Atlanta this week to battle the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a key ACC Coastal Division showdown. Frank Beamer's Hokies failed in their attempt to knock off second-ranked Boston College last week, falling in the waning moments of the game, 14-10. The loss was the second of the season for Virginia Tech, but the first in conference action. The Hokies still control their own destiny in the division. If Tech can win out, including a season-finale at Virginia, it will represent the Coastal Division in the ACC Title Game. The Cavaliers (4-1) currently sit a half game ahead of the Hokies in the standings. Georgia Tech's quest for a second-straight title game has been over for a while. Chan Gailey's team is just 2-3 in league play, but is starting to get back some lost confidence following two straight victories. The Yellow Jackets were idle a week ago, but before that, the team made light work of Army, 34-10, albeit at a stiff price. This is just the fifth all-time meeting between these two teams, with the series knotted up at 2-2. Last year, the Yellow Jackets defeated the Hokies in Blacksburg, 38-27.

The Hokies have struggled offensively this year, despite averaging a solid 25.9 ppg. Once feared for its rushing attack, Virginia Tech is simply mediocre in that regard this season, netting 119.0 ypg on 3.2 ypc. To make matters worse, the passing attack has been non-existent, at a mere 175.6 yards per outing. The main problem has been inconsistency under center. Beamer has used both Sean Glennon and freshman Tyrod Taylor, but neither has distinguished himself as the go-to-guy. The two have combined for just seven TDs this year, with each averaging just over 100 yards passing per game. Veteran wideout Josh Morgan (23 receptions, for 275 yards, two TDs) leads the team in receiving, but his numbers are nothing to get excited about. Lack of protection has been problematic this year, with the offensive line giving up 27 sacks thus far. The ground game should be better than it is, but tailback Branden Ore has struggled in his junior season, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. He is netting just under 60 yards per game (58.4) and has scored five TDs.

The defense has once again lived up to expectations in Blacksburg and it is a good thing considering the offensive woes. The Hokies are certainly one of the better defensive squads in the nation and are currently giving up just 15.8 ppg (eighth nationally). The rush defense has been superb at just 89.8 yards per game (ninth nationally). Despite missing one of its leaders the last two games, Tech has not faltered defensively, including stifling BC and its Heisman hopeful QB for most of last week's game. The defense is led by the play of its linebackers and few do it better than seniors Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall. Adibi currently leads the team in tackles (68) and TFLs (8.5) and has three sacks and an interception to his credit. Hall (61 tackles, two sacks) has missed the last two games with a broken wrist and isn't expected back in the lineup until at least the Florida State game next weekend. The team boasts of another All-American candidate in the secondary in the form of CB Brandon Flowers (50 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, two INTs). Up front, rush end Chris Ellis has provided the pass rush, leading the team with 6.5 sacks.

The Yellow Jackets had little trouble with the Black Knights last time out, but the win was costly, as the team lost its top two tailbacks. For an offense that leads the conference in rushing (219.0 ypg) that could be devastating down the stretch. Senior Tashard Choice (conference-best 108 ypg) is the better of the two backs, but is not expected to suit up for this game with a knee injury. Rashaun Grant will also miss this game, and perhaps the rest of the season with a lower leg injury. Sophomore speedster Jamaal Evans is likely to get the nod in the backfield in this one. He has been used sparingly thus far, with just 21 carries, for 89 yards and two TDs. True freshman Jonathan Dwyer (48 carries, 281 yards, seven TDs) is another option and is being groomed as the team's next future star. QB Taylor Bennett will need to pick up the slack if the ground game is stalled this week. Bennett has been disappointing this year, completing just over 50 percent of his passes, for 1,337 yards, with two TDs and three INTs. Wideouts Greg Smith (25 receptions, for 339 yards) and Demaryius Thomas (24 receptions, for 374 yards and two TDs) are the top options downfield.

Georgia Tech's defense takes a backseat to no one, including VaTech's vaunted bunch. The Yellow Jackets rank sixth nationally in scoring defense (15.5 ppg), eighth against the run (87.0 ypg) and seventh in total defense (287.9 ypg). Tech boasts of its own All-American candidate at the linebacker position in senior Philip Wheeler. The active LB leads the team in tackles (48) and is usually getting upfield and disrupting things, with 6.5 TFLs and five sacks. Junior DT Vance Walker has been outstanding up front, ranking among the top-10 in the conference in TFLs (10.0), sacks (5.5) and forced fumbles (3). Senior DE Darrell Robertson brings the pressure from the edge, pacing the team in TFLs (13.5), with 4.5 sacks.

The Hokies will once again struggle moving the football this week, but will compensate by playing their own brand of shutdown defense. There probably won't be much scoring in this one, but there is more on the line for the visiting team, which needs a victory to remain in the hunt for the conference title.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Virginia Tech 17, Georgia Tech 14