College Football Preview: Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:06 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

Associated Press

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Just two games into the season, Virginia Tech has tumbled from the top 25 and caused panic among its fans because of an offense that it sputtering behind a struggling offensive line.

No wonder the phrase "sense of urgency" was being tossed about a lot in Blacksburg this week as the Hokies prepare to host Georgia Tech in an ACC opener that could answer a lot of questions.

"First ACC game of the year. I think it's going to tell us where our season's going," inside linebacker Purnell Sturdivant said this week. "I think this game right here will definitely define our season."

The Yellow Jackets (2-0, 1-0 ACC) are coming off a 19-16 victory at Boston College and have been an unusual opponent for the Hokies in recent years. Virginia Tech rolled 27-3 last season at Georgia Tech, but the Ramblin' Wreck came to Lane Stadium two years ago and won, 38-27.

New coach Paul Johnson said after watching the Hokies on tape, the idea that they are not as strong as in recent years seems far-fetched.

"They probably have as good of speed as anyone we will play defensively. They can all really run," he said. "If you go back and look at their last two games, they haven't really given up a lot defensively."

The Yellow Jackets put on an impressive display of their own in Boston, rallying from a turnover-filled first half for the victory.