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No. 13 Virginia Tech needs to beat Duke to keep pace in ACC
Duke (4-4, 1-4 ACC) at No. 13 Virginia Tech (6-1, 2-1), Saturday, 7:20 p.m. ET (ACC Network)
Line: Virginia Tech by 15 +.
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 15-9.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
The Hokies are trying to stay close to Miami in the ACC Coastal race, with a road game against the undefeated Hurricanes looming next week. Duke's season has hit the skids with four straight losses. Getting bowl-eligible won't be easy for the Blue Devils.
KEY MATCHUP
Virginia Tech QB Josh Jackson vs. Duke's opportunistic passe defense. The redshirt freshman has so far been solid at avoiding those freshman mistakes. Jackson has thrown four interceptions and has been excellent throwing the ball down the field. The Blue Devils have 12 interceptions, tied for fourth-most in the country and tops in the ACC. CB Mark Gilbert leads the team with four picks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Duke: RB Shaun Wilson. The senior averages 140.6 all-purpose yards per game, third best in the ACC.
Virginia Tech: CBB Greg Stroman. One of the best coverage cornerbacks in the conference and a dangerous punt returner. Stroman is third in the conference with a 13.91-yard average and he has two touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES
During its four-game losing streak, Duke has allowed 11 sacks. Blue Devils quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times overall. Virginia Tech had six sacks against North Carolina last week and 18 on the season. ... Duke is third in the conference, averaging 3.0 sacks per game, led by DL Mike Ramsay with 4.5 ... Virginia Tech ranks second in the nation in third-down defense allowing only 23.7 percent conversions. Michigan is at 23.2. ... The home team has lost the last four games in the series. Those games have been decided by a total of nine points. ... Duke's last three losses were each by seven points. ... Duke is 50-6 when leading or tied after three quarters under coach David Cutcliffe. ... Virginia Tech WR Cam Phillips has caught a pass in a school record 34 straight games.
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