MAKE NO MISTAKE

Virginia Tech makes a living off big plays in every aspect of the game, so Duke can't make that any easier for the Hokies. For the Blue Devils to have any shot at knocking off the No. 6 Hokies, they can't have any turnovers or big breakdowns on special teams.

STAYING IN THE RUNNING

One way to control the onslaught of big plays is to control the clock -- easier said than done. Duke's offensive line still is a work in progress, to put it nicely, so establishing a running game won't be easy. But Duke is coming off its best running game of the season and likely will have its most veteran backs returning from injury. Plus, the Hokies rank 10th in the ACC in rushing defense.

COMING TO PASS

That being said, Duke isn't going to just run in down the Hokies' throats. Quarterback Thad Lewis must be sharp and must be able to connect on a couple of long balls. The good news is that he seemed to turn the corner a week ago after a slow start to his senior season.

-- BRYAN STRICKLAND