An early look at a graphic that will appear in tomorrow’s print edition ... 

RYAN WILLIAMS RECOVERING
In the Hokies’ last game, a 20-17 loss to North Carolina a week ago, Williams, their redshirt freshman tailback, lost a fumble on his final carry, on Tech’s 24-yard line with 2:02 left. The turnover set up Carolina’s game-winning field goal. Williams was devastated by the fumble, but he can’t let it affect what has been, and could continue to be, a special season. He is just 70 yards shy of becoming the 11th Tech back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Cyrus Lawrence, Lee Suggs and Roscoe Coles each did it twice.

CLEAN SNAPS
If a sprained left knee keeps starting center Beau Warren out, the Hokies will turn to redshirt freshman Michael Via, he of 39 snaps this season – 24 in two blowout wins and 15 after Warren got hurt against Carolina. The exchanges between Via and quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be critical. Tech’s offense has lost three fumbles this season in addition to Williams’ against the Tar Heels. Two were after catches by wide receiver Jarrett Boykin. The other was by backup quarterback Joseph “Ju-Ju” Clayton (Hermitage High) in the third quarter of a 48-14 win over Boston College.

STOP ALLOWING LONG RUNS
Through eight games, the Hokies have allowed 14 runs of 20 yards or longer – the same number they allowed in 14 games last season and three more than they allowed in 14 games in 2007. Granted, Georgia Tech, which runs 83.5 percent of the time, had four of these 14 – all in the second half of its win. But the Tar Heels also had runs of 23 and 44 yards – both of which led to touchdowns.

Ryan Williams recovering, clean snaps, stop allowing long runs.