Virginia vs Georgia Tech Preview

That is not what coach Al Groh or the Cavaliers’ faithful had in mind, However, it is not surprising considering that the Cavaliers lost the core of their offensive and defensive units, and are in a rebuilding phase.

Virginia is 1-2 on the year, with losses to Pittsburgh and Western Michigan, and a 13-12 win over Wyoming. That is disconcerting in itself, but a more worrying problem is the apparent failure to find a replacement for departed quarterback, Marques Hagans.

Exasperated coach, Al Groh used three different play-callers in last weekend’s 17-10 home loss to Western Michigan, and all three were found wanting.

Junior, Kevin McCabe started in the hot seat against Western Michigan, but was pulled for Christian Olsen after struggling. Olsen was the heir apparent to Hagans’s throne, but had been relegated to the bench after a less than convincing beginning to the season.

Third-stringer, Jameel Sewell came in for the second half replacing Olsen, and was 7-10 for 51 yards. Despite not distinguishing himself, the redshirt freshman will get the start tonight. If he struggles early in the game, it is anyone’s guess what Groh will do next.

Georgia Tech has 15 of last season’s starters back on deck, and has kicked off the season in impressive style, with wins in two of their first three games. Georgia Tech has victories over Samford and Troy, and had a very close home loss to Notre Dame. Of course, no one will confuse Samford and Troy with a national powerhouse like the Fighting Irish.

The Yellow Jackets haven’t even won a share of the ACC crown since 1998, but Georgia Tech insiders are quietly confident of the team’s best performance in several years. Coach Chan Gailey has produced four straight, seven win seasons, and he has the heavy artillery to improve on that this year.

Quarterback Reggie Ball is an outstanding runner and would be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in college football if he was a more accurate passer.

Ball completed less than 50% of his passes the past two seasons, and is only at 50.7% this year. He is extremely deadly on the ground, as evidenced by his 130 yards rushing in last week’s 35-20 win over Troy, a school record for a quarterback.

With the score tied at 14-14 entering the final quarter against Troy, Ball took command in a sign he is gaining more maturity. For the game, he completed 13 of 29 passes for 164 yards, with two interceptions. Those passing numbers need to improve if Georgia Tech hopes to beat the elite teams of the ACC.

Ball’s favorite target, highly-rated wide receiver Calvin Johnson, is questionable for tonight’s clash, after a disappointing showing against Troy. Heavily marked by the defense, Johnson barely got into the game and limped off with a leg injury in the second quarter after taking a heavy hit.

A star last season with six touchdowns, Georgia Tech needs Johnson fit and focussed to meet all their goals this season. If he doesn’t get on the field tonight, Gailey will be looking for his other receivers to step up, as well as fullback Mike Cox. Cox scored a superb one-handed touchdown against Troy.

Summing Up: Virginia has won the last three meetings between the teams, including a 27-17 win last year. However, with Ball showing great confidence for Georgia Tech, and Virginia struggling to find a quarterback capable of going the distance, the Yellow Jackets look set for a comfortable win.

For all College Football betting lines, visit VIP.com

More VIP.com "The Edge" Articles...