Virginia Tech Hokies vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Picks and Predictions October 26th 2024

Preview: Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech Battle in ACC Clash

Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech are gearing up for a big ACC showdown this Saturday afternoon. Both teams are hunting for momentum to fuel their season, with Virginia Tech (4-3, 2-1 ACC) looking to extend their two-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech (5-3, 3-2 ACC) hopes to keep their streak alive in Blacksburg, where they’ve won their last four games.

Virginia Tech’s Offense and Bhayshul Tuten’s Standout Season

The Hokies have found their offensive rhythm, thanks largely to star running back Bhayshul Tuten. Tuten has been unstoppable this season, setting a school record last week with 266 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, plus one more through the air, leading the Hokies to a 42-21 win over Boston College. Tuten ranks sixth nationally in rushing yards with 871, second in the ACC only to North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. With his versatility and explosive plays, Tuten has become a core part of Virginia Tech’s offense, a threat every time he touches the ball.

“We are so proud of the offensive momentum we’ve established, and Bhayshul is a big part of that,” Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry shared. “We know Georgia Tech is a strong opponent, but we feel confident with the game we’re playing right now.”

Georgia Tech’s Quarterback Questions

For Georgia Tech, the quarterback situation is still a bit uncertain after starter Haynes King suffered a shoulder injury in October’s game against North Carolina. King, who has been a dual-threat for the Yellow Jackets with 1,568 passing yards, eight touchdowns, plus 353 rushing yards and six scores on the ground, is “day-to-day.” Backup QB Zach Pyron stepped in last week against Notre Dame, and while the Yellow Jackets lost 31-13, Pyron showed he could get the job done, with 333 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and four rushing scores this season.

“Only I will make the final call on whether Haynes plays or not,” said Georgia Tech coach Brent Key. “We’re preparing Zach to play, but we haven’t ruled Haynes out.”

Matchup History and Key Factors

These two teams last met in a nail-biter when Georgia Tech rallied to a 28-27 comeback win on Nov. 5, 2022. In that game, Pyron helped the Yellow Jackets erase an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to stun Virginia Tech. The Hokies are looking to settle the score and snap Georgia Tech’s four-game winning streak in Blacksburg.

Both teams will be focused on their ground game. Virginia Tech’s run defense faces a solid test, as they’ve allowed an average of 145.3 rushing yards per game. Georgia Tech’s game plan may hinge on Pyron’s mobility if he starts, and whether Tuten can keep up his fantastic season.

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Game Outlook

Lane Stadium is expected to be rocking on Saturday, and Hokies coach Brent Pry believes the home crowd will be a huge advantage.

“Lane Stadium has always been special for us,” Pry noted. “With the support of our fans, we’ll bring everything we’ve got against a talented Georgia Tech team.”

Georgia Tech, however, has proven resilient in Blacksburg, and regardless of whether King or Pyron is under center, the Yellow Jackets are coming in with confidence. Fans can expect a physical game, with Tuten’s running and Virginia Tech’s defense being deciding factors.

The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET, with both teams looking to grab a key ACC win that could set the tone for the rest of their season.