The 7-3 NC State Wolfpack travel to take on the 5-5 Virginia Tech Hokies. Brent Pry and the Hokies are 4-2 in ACC play and have only lost one game in the always-electric Lane Stadium. Meanwhile, Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack are looking to extend their three-game winning streak. Both teams have found their success through solid defensive play and a balanced offensive attack. The Hokies are favored by three points, and the game total is set low at 43.5.
NC State vs. Virginia Tech: Did the Pack Find Their Quarterback?
The Wolfpack have found recent success due to their stellar defensive play and ability to limit turnovers. On offense, Brennan Armstrong returned to the starting quarterback position in a 26-6 win over Wake Forest. Armstrong had a strong showing, completing 70.6% of his passes and throwing for a score whilst rushing for 96 yards and another touchdown. This past game was also only his second game without a turnover, which has been brutalizing the Wolfpack offense thus far. Receiver Kevin Concepcion continues to impress, with 50 catches for 573 yards this season. However, the defense has been the highlight of the season for NC State. Payton Wilson was named a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, the award for the nation’s best defensive player. Wilson leads the team in tackles and has four sacks, along with four turnovers. Aydan White continues to dominate opposing receivers, with seven pass defenses and two interceptions in the few instances when quarterbacks even throw his way.
The key for the Wolfpack Saturday will be establishing the ground game and limiting the Hokie rushing attack. The Wolfpack rush for 144 yards per game, and Virginia Tech allows 156 per game. The Hokies have a solid pass defense, but the Wolfpack would much prefer to control the ball and keep it on the ground. On defense, the Wolfpack have to limit the ground game just the same. The Hokies are a team that likes to run, averaging 40 rushing attempts per contest. This game will be won by whichever team establishes the run and can limit the other’s ground attack.
NC State vs. Virginia Tech: Can the Hokies Score Against a Great Defense?
This matchup is about as close to a “mirror matchup” as one can find. Both teams play in stadiums that are iconically difficult to win in, and their statistics are very similar. At Quarterback, Kyron Drones is very similar to Armstrong, as both are good runners who are solid but inaccurate passers. Drones have a slight advantage, as he has only thrown two interceptions to Armstrong’s six. The Hokies are sure to incorporate running back Bhayshul Tuten early and often, as he leads the team with 831 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. Jaylin Lane and Da’quon Felton have both eclipsed 400 yards receiving, but only Felton has had more than 100 yards in a game. On defense, Virginia Tech is also led by a great linebacker and defensive back duo. Keli Lawson leads the team with 72 tackles, and Dorian Strong has three interceptions and seven pass defenses.
The Hokies will find success in a similar way that the Wolfpack will; by establishing the run. While Virginia Tech has a slightly better passing offense, White and the Wolfpack secondary will be hard to throw against. The Hokies need to find open space in the middle of the field and not turn the ball over while forcing a turnover from the Wolfpack offense themselves. As stated earlier, this game will be won by the team that runs the ball with more success. The Hokies will need to win the turnover battle against an inaccurate quarterback, while not turning the ball themselves.
Battle In Blacksburg: Overview and Final Prediction
Once again, this matchup will be one in which points will be at a premium. Expect both teams to attempt to control the time of possession in the ground game and work to limit their own turnovers. The Wolfpack have a slightly stronger defense, while the Hokies have a small edge on offense. The difference will come down to the turnover battle, where the Wolfpack have a 20-11 lead in creating turnovers. This matchup in Lane Stadium will be low-scoring, and one scoring position off of an interception or forced fumble will be the difference.
Score Prediction: NC State 24, Virginia Tech 17.
