Coastal Division Showdown : Virginia Tech vs Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech(5-1 3-0) will travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech (5-1 3-1) in a showdown for the lead in the Coastal Division.

To avoid a potentially complicated three-way tie, Virginia Tech needs to win a head-to-head matchup with Georgia Tech. With a win over Miami already, Virginia Tech could all but wrap up the Coastal Division on Saturday.

Georgia Tech is fresh off a big win at Florida State, and they've shown they can put points up in a hurry. Virginia Tech struggled against the rush early in the season but have turned that around.

They will need to play at their best if they want to leave Atlanta with a win.

There is a lot on the line for the Hokies and the Yellow Jackets. It should be a great game for the ACC. Let's see what these teams bring to the table

Defense is the Key

Bud Foster has built quite the reputation at Virginia Tech for his top-ranked defenses.

He will need to have the Hokies prepared for a Georgia Tech team that put up over 500 yards of offense on the Seminoles.

Virginia Tech's defense had a solid showing against Boston College. Giving Shinskie a hard time, picking him off twice and sacking him multiple times.

The Hokies have been hit and miss so far this season, they have allowed an uncharacteristic amount of big time plays this season. That is something they will have to focus on as the Yellow Jackets can pull a big time play at any time.

Boston College only managed to gain 45 yards rushing against a physical Virginia Tech defense.

Virginia Tech can put up points too

Virginia Tech has had a slump on the offensive end the past few years, not even cracking the top-100 nationally.

This season has brought a change in that statistic.

Tyrod Taylor has become more patient, his receivers are more experienced, and their running game is one of the best in the country.

Tyrod Taylor is at 995 yards passing coming into this game. That is 41 yards shy of his total for the entire 2008 season.

He no longer runs as much as he used to, because he doesn't have too.

Ryan Williams has found his name in Heisman talk in his redshirt freshman season. That's because six games into the season, he has over 700 yards rushing.

That could be bad news for a Georgia Tech defense that has allowed over 130 yards a game on the ground.

Florida State scorched the Georgia Tech secondary for 359 yards. With the new found connection between Tyrod Taylor and receivers such as Danny Coale and Jarret Boykin, Virginia Tech could have a big day on offense.

But putting up points doesn't win the game. You have to stop the other team. That's easier said then done.

What does Georgia Tech have to offer? Lets find out.

Georgia Tech has Mr. Do-It-All Josh Nesbitt

You expect your quarterback to carry your team, but Josh Nesbitt literally carries this Yellow Jacket offense.

He is second on the team in rushing with over 500 yards. He also leads the team in rushing touchdowns with six. Yes this is their quarterback.

There is a lot of doubt with his arm because this offense does not require him to use it much. But Nesbitt has over 800 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Georgia Tech's triple option offense can be magical to watch. The people at home know the plays, the crowd knows, the defense knows, but it works time and time again.

Behind Nesbitt, is the ACC offensive player of the year in Jonathan Dywer.

An absolute powerhouse, he is very dangerous and is a huge part of the Yellow Jacket attack.

Bud Foster has his hands full on Saturday. Georgia Tech will pound the football all day long. Virginia Tech needs to be focused, and not allow the Yellow Jackets to get their home crowd behind them and literally "run" this game.

Who will represent the Coastal?

The Road to Tampa could be all but paved for Virginia Tech if they beat Georgia Tech.

True, there is plenty of football left to play. But a head-to-head win against both Georgia Tech and Miami would mean Virginia Tech has a commanding lead in this division.

That being said, If Georgia Tech can beat Virginia Tech they will be the leader in the Coastal Division.

It could get complicated with a three way tie. Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Miami are all solid football teams and have all remained in the top 25 throughout the season.

A lot is on the line when the Hokies and Yellow Jackets meet this Saturday. May the best team win.