Kansas @ Georgia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Georgia Tech 25, Kansas 28

THE STORY: All signs point to a shootout when undefeated Kansas visits undefeated Georgia Tech in a key non-conference game for both teams. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 56 points, the Jayhawks 43.5. An option team, Tech ranks first nationally in pass efficiency, second in scoring and total offense, and third in rushing. Kansas ranks fourth in pass efficiency and 10th in rushing. The Jackets will be plenty motivated to avenge last year’s 28-25 loss in Lawrence, Kan., which dropped them out of the Top 25. The only other meeting came in the 1948 Orange Bowl when Tech won 20-14.

TV: RSN, Fox Sports South. LINE: Georgia Tech -14

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (2-0): QB Tevin Washington, who accounted for four touchdowns in last week’s 49-21 win at Middle Tennessee State, has thrown for 473 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. At 6-5, 210, WR Stephen Hill is a mismatch for most defensive backs. He’s averaging a ridiculous 43.8 yards per catch. The defense has forced six turnovers but is allowing a 45 percent conversion rate on third down.

ABOUT KANSAS (2-0): The Jayhawks, who have lost nine straight on the road, beat Northern Illinois 45-42 last week on Jordan Webb’s 6-yard TD pass to D.J. Beshears with 14 seconds left. Webb threw three TDs against the Jackets last season and looks far more polished now. He’s got six TD passes and no INTs this season. James Sims (4.8 yards per carry) and Darrian Miller (5.2) lead a bevy of talented backs. The defense is shaky, however, and has allowed a combined 66 points to McNeese State and Northern Illinois.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kansas is 5-16 all-time against teams from the ACC.

2. Tech coach Paul Johnson is looking for the first 3-0 start in his four-year tenure.

3. Tech is 9-5 against teams currently in the Big 12.

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 41, Kansas 24 – The Yellow Jackets finally have a passing game, which makes their option attack nearly impossible to stop.