3 Biggest X-Factors for Duke to Stay Undefeated vs Georgia Tech

After a long bye week, the Duke Blue Devils are gearing up to get back on the field, with the team heading on the road to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Duke comes in 4-0 on the new season, and this game is giving them an opportunity to do even more damage in the ACC. The Blue Devils are the reigning ACC champions, but they haven't gotten the same respect as some other teams in the conference.

While Georgia Tech isn't seen as a top team, road games in college football are never easy to win. The Yellow Jackets are 1-3 on the season, and this group will try to stop the bleeding against Duke.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Blue Devils to stay undefeated on the season against Georgia Tech:

1. Feed Nate Sheppard

For the Blue Devils, success can be found by giving the ball to running back Nate Sheppard, early and often. Sheppard currently leads the NCAA in rushing this season, posting 644 yards and six scores through four games.

The running back has been the entire engine for the Blue Devils offense this season, giving this team a major boost from the backfield. Duke goes as he goes, and Sheppard will look to keep his strong start to the year going against a shaky Yellow Jackets' defense.

If Duke can give him the ball consistently, while opening some running lanes, it could be a long day for Georgia Tech. Sheppard is the key to this game, and the entire success for the Blue Devils the rest of the year.

2. Put Pressure on Georgia Tech Backfield

The Duke defense has allowed only 63.8 rushing yards per game this season, giving them a ton of confidence. If this can stay against Georgia Tech, the Blue Devils may be able to run away with this game.

Georgia Tech's offense has been a little up-and-down this season, and the Blue Devils will want to make sure that they keep it that way. Duke has proven that they can shut down the run, and this team doesn't want to let the Yellow Jackets become a multi-dimensional offensive team this week.

3. Keep Walker Eget Upright

Other than Sheppard, Walker Eget is one of the bigger pieces to this team. Eget has done well this season, throwing for 721 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.

The San Jose transfer has been able to handle himself with Duke so far, but the offensive line has to keep giving him time to throw the ball. It's such a simple key to winning games, but it may be the most effective in the sport.