Head To Head Matchup: Quarterback

One good thing for the Hokies is that they are playing at home. That means that their jerseys will not go missing as happened a week ago Thursday at the Georgia Tech game. Four Hokie players including junior QB Sean Glennon couldn't locate their tops before Thursday's game at Georgia Tech. And the team didn't bring along any extras. So, with no time for an involved search, the Yellow Jackets loaned the visitors some of their own away uniforms. Starting Hokie quarterback Sean Glennon was forced to use a Georgia Tech jersey and write his name on the back in ink. So they had their own little Jerseygate with stolen football jerseys.

So the burning question for many fans is who will be the starting quarterback for the Hokies when the Noles come to town on Saturday? According to Frank Beamer on Tuesday, both quarterbacks, Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, practiced very well on Monday. As they make their game plan throughout the week, they'll get closer to making a quarterback decision. They have to decide the best way to attack Florida State.

Despite the fact he's completed nearly 68 percent of his passes for 703 yards and five touchdowns with no turnovers the past 11 quarters, Glennon still doesn't know if he or freshman Tyrod Taylor will be the guy behind center Saturday. Head coach Frank Beamer said Tuesday that he and his offensive staff won't name their starting QB until Saturday's game plan is finalized. When asked what day of the week that usually occurs, Beamer coyly responded: "Oh, Friday afternoon late ... Saturday morning, sometimes around there." Translation- the Noles probably won't know the answer until the first offensive play by the Hokies.

Glennon started the first two games of this season, but he was benched during the Hokies’ 48-7 loss to Louisiana State on Sept. 8 in favor of the freshman Tyrod Taylor. But Taylor sprained his ankle during Virginia Tech’s 43-14 win over Duke on Oct. 13, and the 6'4" Glennon threw for 258 yards and 2 touchdowns in a relief role. Since returning to the field in place of injured Tyrod Taylor, Glennon in two full games, and two quarters against Duke, has completed 53 of 78 passes (68 percent) for 703 yards and 5 TDs. And zero interceptions. He has also had no fumbles despite being sacked 11 times. For the season, he has thrown for 1,028 yards, 6 TDs, and 2 interceptions. His passing completion percentage is almost 64%. In the last game against Georgia Tech, he threw for 296 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 interceptions.

Fan sites have the slogan, "Fear The Rod" for Virginia Tech freshmen quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Out of high school, the recruiting services were saying that Taylor had all the throws in his arsenal. It was said that he could throw with zip or touch, is very accurate and throws a great deep ball. When forced out of the pocket Taylor shows excellent accuracy when throwing on the run, even against his body. While in the pocket he is very tough to bring down because of his exceptional quickness, hips and footwork. He was ranked as the fourth ranked QB out of high school in 2006. Taylor was rated the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the country by one recruiting service. His two finalists were Virginia Tech and Florida before he chose the Hokies. So far this season, he has thrown for 640 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 interception. his passing completion percentage is 52%. As was stated, the 6'2" Taylor was injured in the Duke game but is now able to play again.

Key Stats: FSU ranks #10 in ACC in pass defense. The Noles rank #3 in interceptions. Nole players to watch- Defensive lineman Everette Brown with 5 sacks.Defensive backs Patrick Robinson and Tony Carter with a combined 8 interceptions.

On the Nole side of the ball, we have the new and improved Drew Weatherford. At least he has been for the last two games since assuming the starting role again. In those two games, Weatherford has averaged 346 yards a game, has thrown 3 TDs, and has no interceptions. For the season, Drew has thrown for 1,335 yards, 7 TDs, and only 1 interception. His passing completion percentage is almost 62%.

The interception number is key given the fact that the Hokies have a pair of defensive backs that have intercepted a number of passes this year. Against Virginia Tech,Weatherford will have to play smart and know his coverages and reads. Hokie defensive backs Victor Harris and Brandon Flowers so far this season have a combined 7 interceptions.

Key Stats: Virginia Tech ranks #6 in the ACC in passing defense.They also rank #2 in sacks. Hokie players to watch- Defensive linemen Chris Ellis with 6 1/2 sacks. Defensive backs Victor Harris and Brandon Flowers.