When Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech square off in Atlanta on Thursday night, they will both be coming off five days of rest and a grueling game last Saturday.

Georgia Tech rallied against North Carolina, while Virginia Tech barely survived in triple overtime against Marshall.

This Saturday’s game is on ESPN at 7:30 p.m., and could have long-term implications as both teams jockey for the ACC Coastal Division championship.

“It’s just really tough to come off five days’ rest,” Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson said at the teleconference Wednesday. “And it’s hard on the kids.”

The Yellow Jackets trailed 20-7 in the second quarter against the Tar Heels. They scored 21 unanswered points the rest of the way, though, remaining undefeated on the year.

The Hokies, meanwhile, battled Marshall in front of more than 64,000 fans as rain poured down at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. Virginia Tech survived an ugly game, scoring with 3:09 left in regulation and outlasting the Thundering Herd in triple overtime.

“We’re coming out of a really physical game with North Carolina,” Johnson said, “and I’m sure they had a lot of plays going into triple overtime.”

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said at the teleconference that he expects a serious challenge ahead.

“Well, as you can imagine, your whole week is sped up,” Beamer said, “trying to cover a lot of things in a short period of time.”

Beamer said Georgia Tech’s option offense is completely different than Marshall’s offense. He added that 32 of the 69 players traveling with Virginia Tech are first- or second-year players.

Despite the challenges, though, Beamer believes his players are excited for the opportunity to play on national television.

Beamer said: “It’s certainly being on national TV on Thursday night that’s different for your kids.”

Ebron impresses early in season for North Carolina

Eric Ebron reached up with his left hand, tapped the ball to himself and corralled it for a touchdown. The touchdown reception came late in the first quarter in North Carolina’s 28-20 loss against Georgia Tech.

That was Ebron’s first touchdown of the year, but he’s been a consistent force at tight end all season. The 6-foot-4 Ebron has 13 receptions and exactly 200 receiving yards through three games.

His 15.4 yards per reception ties him with Miami’s Clive Walford for most in the ACC among tight ends.

“The guy is really talented,” North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora said at the teleconference. “I mean, he really is.”

Published on September 26, 2013 at 1:16 am

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass