SMU's defense has an opportunity to get the Mustangs back on track Friday night after a bad loss to Syracuse, but Virginia Tech isn't bringing an offense that will make things easy.

The Mustangs (6-2) host the Hokies (6-2) at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in a crucial ACC matchup featuring two teams still fighting to remain relevant in the conference championship race.

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Virginia Tech enters averaging 35 points and 424.1 yards per game, including 284.4 passing yards. That's a dangerous combination for an SMU defense trying to recover from last weekend's frustrating 30-27 loss to Syracuse.

Here are five Virginia Tech offensive players that will deserve attention on Friday night.

Grunkemeyer has given Virginia Tech a dependable passing attack, completing 71.4 percent of his throws for 2,140 yards, 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

His accuracy and ability to avoid turnovers make him difficult to defend, particularly when opponents allow receivers to work underneath coverage.

Grunkemeyer threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns in Virginia Tech's 20-16 victory over Clemson on Oct. 24, although he was sacked six times.

That could provide SMU with a blueprint for disrupting the Hokies' offense.

Brown is Virginia Tech's most productive receiver and arguably its most dangerous open-field threat.

He leads the Hokies with 51 receptions for 685 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per catch.

Brown caught five passes for 69 yards against Clemson and has three 100-yard receiving performances this season.

SMU can't afford missed tackles or blown assignments when Brown gets the ball in space.

Reynolds could present the toughest individual matchup for SMU's linebackers and safeties.

The talented tight end has caught 50 passes for 493 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns.

Against Clemson, Reynolds caught seven passes for 44 yards and both Virginia Tech touchdowns.

His effectiveness near the goal line makes him especially dangerous for an SMU defense allowing opponents to score on 90 percent of their red-zone possessions.

Overton provides Virginia Tech with its primary rushing threat.

He has rushed for 639 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. He's also caught 23 passes for 214 yards and two additional scores.

Overton struggled against Clemson, managing just 26 rushing yards, but his season-long production makes him someone SMU can't overlook.

Hawkins gives the Hokies another productive option in the backfield.

He has rushed for 337 yards and five touchdowns on 85 carries, providing a physical complement to Overton.

His presence allows Virginia Tech to rotate running backs without abandoning its offensive approach.

For SMU, the matchup will likely be decided by its ability to pressure Grunkemeyer and force Virginia Tech into third-and-long situations.

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The Mustangs have recorded 22 sacks and rank among the nation's best third-down defenses, allowing opponents to convert just 27 percent of their opportunities.

Virginia Tech's offensive line has been dealing with injuries, although guards Montavious Cunningham and Brody Meadows are expected to be available following the Hokies' bye week.

SMU needs to take advantage of any protection issues without allowing Grunkemeyer to find Brown or Reynolds for easy completions.

Limit Virginia Tech's explosive plays, keep its running backs under control and make the Hokies earn every first down.

If the Mustangs accomplish those objectives, they'll have a strong opportunity to rebound from the Syracuse loss and protect their home field.