Those are the three things No. 20 Virginia Tech will focus on more than usual on Thursday night when Georgia Tech and its always difficult triple-option arrives at Lane Stadium.
"Pretty much the secret is just staying disciplined," defensive tackle John Graves said. "Whether or not it's this week or next week, you just gotta stay disciplined, read your keys and tackle. Football is pretty simple. We try to make it simple, but not too simple."
The Hokies (6-2, 4-0 ACC) are the only team still unbeaten in league play, have four games left - all against Coastal Division teams - and will earn a spot in the championship game simply by winning out. But the Yellow Jackets present a challenge of unfamiliarity.
Not only does Georgia Tech (5-3, 3-2) run the triple-option offense, but new defensive coordinator Al Groh has installed the 3-4 defense, making both sides of the ball unusual.
But the offense is the side that causes the most concern. The Yellow Jackets lead the nation in rushing with an average of more that 317 yards, and while the Hokies are second, they average 102 fewer yards. A year ago, the Yellow Jackets ran for 272 second-half yards and led the Hokies 28-13 with 3 minutes to play before a late touchdown made it 28-23.
"We've got to be consistent and be good in our option principles, can't give up big plays," defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. "Last year, we played a great first half and gave up too many plays in the second half. And that's what that offense can do to you."
Joshua Nesbitt completed just one pass in leading his team to the victory a year ago, but scored the touchdown that essentially sealed it with 3 minutes left on a 39-yard run.
Foster said it would help to get an early lead and force Nesbitt to have to throw.
"The teams that have had success against them - they've gotten (Georgia Tech) behind, No. 1, and teams have held the ball," Foster said this week. "But No. 2, they've gotten them in some longer yardage situations. Last year in the second half, we had way too many third and short, ... and that turns them into fourth down. They'll go on fourth down in a heartbeat."
Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson expects to the Hokies to be well prepared. Both teams had last Saturday off, and he has significant respect for how Foster's team plays defense.
"They usually have a good understanding of what they are trying to accomplish and they play well within the framework of what he is asking them to do," Johnson said.
But it still comes down to the same thing.
"We have a lot of different looks that we're going to throw at them," safety Davon Morgan said. "It's going to be good to see the different looks and see how they react to those looks. Our key is going to be to go out there and tackle well. That's the key this week."
The Hokies, regulars in the Thursday night spotlight in recent years, can't wait, not only for the change to avenge last year's loss, but to continue on a most familiar road.
"I guess everybody's excited about that, and just this being another step toward the ACC championship and everything," tailback Darren Evans said. "That all plays a part in it, too."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/11/233508