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The Virginia Tech Hokies have enjoyed the comforts of home their last four games, but now they must head out on the road. Virginia Tech and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will face off in an ACC battle at noon ET on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.
The Hokies didn't finish too far behind, but the squad still lost 41-36 to the Syracuse Orange last week. The losing side was boosted by RB Malachi Thomas, who rushed for three TDs and 151 yards on 21 carries. Thomas had some trouble finding his footing against the Pittsburgh Panthers two weeks ago, so this was a step in the right direction. Thomas' sharp performance set his single-game rushing touchdown high for the season.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech scored first but ultimately less than the Virginia Cavaliers in their matchup last week. The Yellow Jackets took a 48-40 hit to the loss column. Their defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of QB Jeff Sims, who passed for three TDs and 300 yards on 44 attempts in addition to picking up 65 yards on the ground, and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for one TD and 132 yards on 13 carries. That touchdown -- a 71-yard rush in the third quarter -- was one of the highlights of the game.
Virginia Tech is expected to lose this next one by 4.5. They have failed bettors playing the spread in their past five games, so buyers beware.
The losses bumped both teams down to an identical 3-4. A couple defensive stats to keep an eye on: Virginia Tech is stumbling into the matchup with the 163rd most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up nine on the season. Georgia Tech has experienced some passing struggles of their own as they are 197th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 11 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
