ATLANTA - As much as his Georgia Tech football team can't wait for its next game and a chance to redeem itself after a 51-7 loss to Virginia Tech, coach Chan Gailey welcomes this weekend's open date.

"We need to get healthy," Gailey said. "We need the 10 days. It's going to be great to get them some rest."

The Yellow Jackets have avoided major injuries thus far. An ankle injury sidelined defensive end Eric Henderson for the last two games, but he practiced last week and should be ready to play against North Carolina State when it visits Bobby Dodd Stadium a week from Thursday.

Several other players have played through nagging injuries.

- Defensive tackle Joe Anoai, who still feels pain in the shoulder that was operated on this summer, hurt his ankle against Virginia Tech.

- Tight end Michael Matthews played on a sore ankle against Virginia Tech. He suffered the injury a week earlier.

- Quarterback Reggie Ball missed the Connecticut game because of viral meningitis.

The Yellow Jackets are getting plenty of rest. They took Monday and Tuesday off and will practice lightly today and Thursday before getting another off day Friday.

- Kicker Travis Bell has been Georgia Tech's most reliable scoring option since he became the starter last season.

Bell's struggled the past two weeks, however, missing a pair of 43-yard field goals against UConn and Virginia Tech. The Hokies also blocked a 35-yard attempt.

Bell's kicking motion has appeared different the past two weeks, as if he's favoring his kicking leg. When asked if Bell had an injury in the leg, Gailey said his kicker is sore and needs some rest.

- Officials have put the yellow in the Yellow Jackets this season, flagging them for 35 penalties - five more than any other Atlantic Coast Conference team. Georgia Tech drew a season-high nine in the loss to Virginia Tech.