Georgia Tech vs. Georgia: Stopping UGA running game key for Yellow Jackets

One of the Georgia Tech defense's primary tasks on Saturday will be to slow down the Georgia Bulldogs ground game. The Bulldogs rank 39th nationally in rushing offense and third in the SEC.

"They’ve got some playmakers, so they’ll make some plays," interim Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Charles Kelly said. "We’ve just got to stop the run, eliminate the big plays, get some turnovers. That’s going to be huge. Then get off the field on third down."

Georgia running backs Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall both average more than six yards per carry, and Gurley has already surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing milestone. As a team, the Bulldogs average nearly five yards per carry and they've scored 25 touchdowns on the ground.

Georgia Tech's rush defense is No. 40 nationally, and the Jackets are No. 61 in total defense. Defensive coordinator Al Groh was fired earlier in the season amidst some defensive struggles.