Holding the line

Duke's offensive line had been playing outstanding football before running into UNC's relentless pass rush a week ago. Now the line faces a Georgia Tech defensive front that was dominant in 2008 but has been good-but-not-great in 2009.

Big plays vs. little plays

Georgia Tech's option attack can break off a 60-yard run in a flash, but the Yellow Jackets can't do so if they don't have the ball. The charge for Duke's defense is to limit the big plays but also limit the number of plays overall, leaving Georgia Tech with third-and-long situations.

Making themselves at home

Duke -- 3-2 on the road and 2-2 at home -- arguably has played its best football away from Wallace Wade Stadium.

-- BRYAN STRICKLAND