Wahoo Wire

Entering Saturday’s matchup, Georgia Tech ranks 12^th in the country. Virginia hasn’t been nationally ranked since its 2007 season. The Yellow Jackets hope to crack the BCS top 10 for the first time in 8 years. Virginia is far from receiving top 25 votes.

Georgia Tech ranks ahead of Virginia on virtually every list but one: the ACC Coastal Division.

Georgia Tech (6-1, 4-1 ACC) is the game’s 5.5 point favorite, but they must look up to find Virginia in the conference standings.

After an abysmal start to the season, Virginia (3-3, 2-0 ACC) has rallied to win its last three games. The team’s .500 record may not scream conference champions, but the Cavaliers have found a way to win when it matters most.

On Saturday, Virginia will put its undefeated ACC record to its toughest test yet. Looking to stay atop the Coastal Division, the Cavs will again lean heavily on their defense.

That defense has been stellar the past three games, and not coincidentally, so has the team’s record. The squad has allowed just 19 points during the winning streak, while forcing 9 total turnovers.

In conference matchups this year, the Cavaliers have surrendered a minuscule 223 yards per game. This week, however, they will clash with a Yellow Jacket offense that puts up a per game average of 417 yards.

Just as Virginia’s defense is the clear key to its recent turnaround, Georgia Tech’s running game is the equally obvious secret to the Jacket’s success.

Georgia Tech boasts the nation’s best running game, putting up 281 rushing yards per game. During the Jacket’s four game win streak, the team has logged an eye-popping 1240 yards.

Tech’s Junior quarterback Josh Nesbitt leads the team’s potent rushing attack. Nesbitt’s 894 passing yards this year is not Heisman Watch material, but his 625 rushing yards rank second among all quarterbacks. Virginia’s defense may be able to exploit Nesbitt’s passing inaccuracy as the quarterback completed just one pass last week.

However, they must constantly be wary of Nesbitt’s presence on the run.

Virginia’s own running game averages about a third of Georgia Tech’s, with 111 yards per game. The team’s starting tailback, Mickell Simpson, looked to be coming alive before suffering a neck injury against Indiana. Simpson missed the team’s last game and is questionable for Saturday. If he cannot go, Senior Rashawn Jackson will serve again as the starter.

Virginia’s passing game may also be missing its point man. Senior quarterback Jameel Sewell left last week’s game on crutches with an ankle injury. After a rocky start to the season, Sewell has been more effective in recent games, and Virginia hopes he sees action this Saturday. If not, the QB duties will fall on Junior Marc Verica.

Last week, Georgia Tech did Virginia a favor by beating in-state rival and conference favorite Virginia Tech. Now Virginia must help themselves.

Very few take Virginia seriously as conference leaders, and the Cavaliers are underdogs for well-founded reasons.

But until Georgia Tech proves differently, Virginia is the team atop the ACC.