GT vs. VT

• Is Virginia Tech as good as their record?

After four games this season, the Hokies have scored nearly 35 points per game while allowing less than six points a game. Though impressive, Virginia Tech's first four opponents have combined for a 3-12 record to start the season, and the Hokies struggled at home last week against Cincinnati. The question will be answered in the next couple of weeks, with Boston College, Miami and Clemson following the Georgia Tech game. The Jackets should provide the first serious test for the Hokies, and the winner will establish themselves as the front-runners for a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

• Will Georgia Tech be able to handle the pressure on the road?

For many, coming in to Blacksburg, Va. to face the Hokies is one of the most daunting tasks in college football. As the Jackets first road test, the task seems even more daunting. Georgia Tech has proven it can win big games on the road, most notably last season's pair of victories against No. 3 Miami and No. 16 Auburn. Both teams were ranked in the top 10 in the final AP poll. Still, Virginia Tech decisively won the battle of the Techs last season in Lane Stadium, 51-7. Georgia Tech does not want to be embarrassed again, and the offense and defense will undoubtedly be forced to make adjustments to the crowd full of maroon and orange, not the white and gold it has seen all season.

• Which team will win the ground game?

Averaging close to 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns a game, the Hokies offense has hinged on power rushing and the ground game. Georgia Tech has been even better, averaging 180 yards a game and even topping 300 yards against Troy. While Virginia Tech uses running back Branden Ore as the main option in the backfield, Georgia Tech usually employs multiple runners to create confusion in the backfield and open up lanes for long runs. Despite both teams wanting to run the ball on the ground, each defense has been equally up to the challenge at stopping the run this season. The Jackets have allowed 75 yards per game on the ground while the Hokies have only allowed 92. Both teams will try to rush past the opponent and win the game on the ground.

• Can Virginia Tech stop Calvin Johnson?

Calvin Johnson, arguably the best receiver in the nation, is the focal point of the Jackets' offense. Reggie Ball has regularly made the game happen with both his feet and arm, but often looks to No. 21 for a touchdown. Johnson will hope to win the game and strengthen his candidacy for the Heisman with more passes from Ball. Virginia Tech has only allowed one passing touchdown this season, but its secondary has yet to see a player like Johnson line up on the field.

Team Profiles

Georgia Tech

After a four-game home stand to start the season, Georgia Tech will face a tough opponent in Virginia Tech on the road. The Jackets' disruptive defense has contained opposing offenses this year and made key plays changing the momentum of games to seal victories. The unit has six interceptions on the season, held opponents to a total of 50 points and kept the Jackets in games where the offense looked sluggish and out of sync. The offense will look to show the progress it has made since the start of the season. Reggie Ball and Calvin Johnson have hooked up for five touchdowns and will need to add to that total for the Jackets to have a chance tomorrow. Georgia Tech will have to play well on both sides of the ball if the team hopes to leave Lane Stadium with a win.

Virginia Tech

A 4-0 start has many touting Virginia Tech as the team to beat in the ACC. The Hokies are currently the highest ranked team in the conference. In their last game, the defense scored two touchdowns to bail the Hokies out of potentially being upset. Since 1999, Virginia Tech has scored 55 nonoffensive touchdowns, trailing only fellow ACC team Miami, which has 57. Quarterback Sean Glennon has completed nearly 62% of his passes in his first year as a starter for Virginia Tech. Running back Branden Ore rushed for a season high 170 yards against Cincinnati. Glennon will have to be on his game tomorrow as he will be without senior flanker David Clowney. Clowney had an emergency appendectomy last Thursday. In addition senior wide receiver Josh Morgan and defensive end Chris Ellis have been suspended for violating unspecified team rules.