There is quite a disparity at work when you look at how Virginia and Georgia Tech have fared this season.

Virginia has been good on defense; Georgia Tech has struggled. Virginia is 4-4; Georgia Tech is 6-2. The Hoos have clearly played the tougher schedule, so that obviously is a factor. But their solid defense has not received much help from their struggling offense.

Georgia Tech, at least, has an offense that has been able to bail out its defense from some bad situations. There are a few reasons for that. The Jackets have gone back to the triple-option concepts that brought them success in years past, allowing them to not only run for more yards per carry, but also hit for more big plays both on the ground and in the pass game.

The result has been a much better, much more efficient offense under Justin Thomas, who ranks fourth in the ACC in rushing and has a pass efficiency rating of 154.96. The team’s top four receiving leaders all average more than 19 yards per catch.

“A year ago, we didn't do our base stuff very well,” Johnson said. “We weren't very good at running the triple. We were still an option team, but certainly not like we are now. During the offseason, I decided I was going to get back to the things that had been very successful for us in the past. Fortunately for us, Justin Thomas has a great skill set. That's what we like to do.”

There is no disguising the fact that former quarterback Vad Lee was simply not the right fit to run this offense, and he ended up transferring. Georgia Tech is in a much better spot now with Thomas leading the offense.

Now, if only the defense played a little more consistently. There have been glimpses – especially when it comes to taking away the ball. Last Saturday against Pitt, the Jackets forced six turnovers and the rout was on. Still, it is hard to overlook the fact that Georgia Tech ranks No. 12 in the ACC in scoring defense, No. 12 in the ACC in rush defense and No. 13 in scoring defense.

Virginia is better in all those categories, so they might have an edge going into the game. But Georgia Tech presents so many challenges, even to the most skilled defenses. Forcing turnovers and eliminating big plays has to be imperative Saturday.

“When you gear up to stop the run or try to get an extra safety down, they've done a great job with the play-action pass off of that run action, been able to get behind defenders and throw the ball vertical,” Virginia coach Mike London said. “It's important that whatever keys you have as an assignment for you, whatever things your eyes tell you, you have to be sure that you're on point with those things.

“It's a type of offense that it calls for assignments and responsibilities, but at the same time they can affect you if you take your eyes off your keys. They've done a good job of explosive plays by utilizing the mistakes that defenses have made.”

This is a crucial game for both teams in the Coastal Division race. Both have two losses. Another would have a great impact on their chances of getting to the ACC title game.

We will see how both defenses respond.