Georgia Tech Football vs Virginia 2017: Four players that will decide the game

DL Antonio Simmons – Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets defense doesn’t have many defensive linemen who can get in the backfield on a consistent basis. One of the defensive linemen that can, however, is senior Antonio Simmons.

While Simmons has just a total of 21 tackles this season, the 6-foot-3 and nearly 250-pound defensive end has 6.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks on the season. Both numbers are the tops for the Yellow Jackets defense so far in 2017.

Simmons isn’t an overly dominating defensive lineman for the Jackets but is a hard-nosed player capable of making plays. With two forced fumbles this season, he has the ability to cause havoc.

The Cavaliers have allowed 17 sacks on the season this year, an average of just over two per game. If anybody is going to pick up a sack on Saturday for the Jackets, chances are it will be Simmons.

Next: Jackets offense looks to get back on track

If Simmons can get consistent pressure on Kurt Benkert and contribute to stopping an average run game by the Cavaliers, the Jackets defense will have the opportunity to feast on the Virginia offense. Don’t be surprised if Simmons has a hand or two in helping create turnovers on Saturday afternoon.