Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech, better known as the “TechMo Bowl” or “Battle of the Tech's,” has a long history in the ACC, more specifically the ACC Coastal Division.

In the first ten rounds of the TechMo Bowl, seven of the winners of the rivalry game have been listed, but none of the winners of that game have been counted since the 2012 matchup in Blacksburg, in which the No. 16 Hokies won in overtime.

That trend won't change this year, as Virginia Tech received some AP Top 25 votes in the preseason and Georgia Tech was ranked No. 10 over Florida State after their win.

How are the teams doing this year?

Virginia Tech Offense vs. Georgia Tech Defense

Georgia Tech's defense looks a lot different than last year's Yellow Jackets team. Head coach Brent Key brought in Tyler Santucci, among many other additions this offseason, to refresh the defensive mentality.

The problem with change is that there is always a negative factor – for the Jackets, that has to be the decline in pass defense compared to last season. Last year the Jackets weren't great on defense, but it was clear that the run defense was significantly worse than the pass defense, so that has been turned on its head.

Georgia Tech gets to the quarterback at a very low rate and currently ranks 131st in overall sack rate at an astounding 2.64%.

The pass rush isn't the only problem though, Georgia Tech only has two interceptions all year.

While the Yellow Jackets have a viable run defense, it hasn't really been tested this year as opposing teams attack Georgia Tech's coverage.

Virginia Tech is not a passing offense. All of Georgia Tech's losses have come from offenses that can pass the ball. Virginia Tech hasn't been like that at all this year.

Kyron Drones has been an exceptional runner his entire career, and this year is no different. He is the Hokies' second-leading rusher on offense, behind primary playmaker Bhayshul Tuten.

Tuten needs to be explosive for Virginia Tech to dominate this defense. Santucci's scheme on that side of the ball has many weaknesses, and if Georgia Tech can't generate pressure, it's going to be a long day for the Jackets.

Virginia Tech Defense vs. Georgia Tech Offense

Georgia Tech's offense will be without Haynes King this afternoon in Blacksburg as a Georgia Tech spokesman announced he has been ruled out for that matchup.

That means Zach Pyron will be the Jackets' starting quarterback, a familiar face to Hokies fans.

He led the Jackets to a win over the Hokies in the last meeting between the two schools, throwing for 253 yards and scoring against a QB goalie.

Now Pyron is expected to inherit a run-heavy offense that likes to rely on the running ability of its quarterback and the offensive line to provide a lot of short play offensively.

Look for Malik Rutherford or Eric Singleton to be able to get the ball in a variety of ways against the Hokies' defense.

Virginia Tech's defense could be the opposite of Georgia Tech's.

The Hokies are solid at times against the run but excel in the passing game, with Antwaun Powell-Ryland rushing at quarterback while Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane play cornerbacks.

The Jackets typically don't allow much pressure on Haynes King, but with Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles lined up on the other side of that offensive line, Pyron could have some problems.

Final prediction

This game seems pretty even on paper, but Virginia Tech's pass defense will be the strongest unit and there are far too many question marks surrounding Zach Pyron for the Jackets to seem like a viable choice.

I don't think it's going to be a bust, but I'm sticking with the quarterback I trust more, and that's Kyron Drones.

Final score: Virginia Tech 23, Georgia Tech 20

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