BLACKSBURG, Va. --- Quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor of No. 4 Virginia Tech and Josh Nesbitt of No. 19 Georgia Tech are as likely to tuck the ball and run by defenders as they are to burn teams with their arms.
While their results have been the same this season, their differing styles will be showcased in a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division matchup on Saturday.
Both teams are 5-1 and the winner gains a big advantage in the divisional race.
Taylor, the Hokies' fulltime quarterback this season after two years of sharing the job with Sean Glennon, has changed his style significantly. Once criticized for being too quick to pull the ball down and run, some of his highlights have been allowing pass plays to develop.
And Nesbitt, who has ACC offensive player of the year Jonathan Dwyer in the backfield with him, has become a more prolific runner because of the attention Dwyer draws.
The dual skills of Taylor and Nesbitt make everything else possible for their respective teams.
Taylor threw just two touchdown passes last season in 173 attempts; his eight scoring throws this year have come in 104 tries, and have him 10th in the country in passing efficiency.
"If you sit here and watch us throw the ball around in practice, we are much better than we were a year ago," Hokies coach Frank Beamer said. "He knows exactly what he is doing. He knows when it needs to go and where it needs to go. I think he is an exceptional quarterback right now."
Nesbitt, who is best known for his running skills, has been increasingly efficient as a passer, throwing for four touchdowns this season with only two interceptions, none in the past four games.
Still, it's his running -- and its frequency -- that stands out.
Nesbitt had a career high 32 rushes for 97 yards and two touchdowns against North Carolina, and is averaging more than 27 carries over the past three games, all victories.
"He's a warrior," tackle Austin Barrick said.
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