ACC Football Preview – NC State vs Virginia Tech

NC State v Virginia Tech 

The second game for interim coach Philip Montgomery, as the Virginia Tech Hokies (1-3) head south to Raleigh on Saturday to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-1, 1-1). It’s the first game of the ACC schedule for the Hokies, who are coming off their first win of the season, a 38-6 victory over Wofford.  The Wolfpack began the season with three consecutive wins before falling to Duke last week. 

The Pack are led by 6-foot-6 sophomore quarterback C.J. Bailey.  In four games this season, Bailey has completed 72% of his passes for 1,083 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Bailey has passed for over 300 yards in two games this season. He struggled against Duke last week, throwing three interceptions.

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

The Hokies have to force takeaways.  They need positive momentum on the road, and it starts with a defense that has to hold up against the run and be disruptive enough to screw up the Wolfpack attack. How did NC State lose to Duke? The defense struggled to get off the field and the offense turned it over four times.

Why NC State Will Win

Virginia Tech has talent, and the energy is there, but the run defense is still the same. This isn’t a high-powered NC State attack, but CJ Bailey is hitting 72% of his passes, and the balance is there with 35 carries or more in every game. Can they run out the clock, win the time of possession battle, and get to the QB?

Can Hokies or Wolfpack get to the quarterback?

Neither team generates enough sacks, but they can both get behind the line from time to time. Both are awful on third downs, but NC State can run better, and the passing game is stronger. 

Prediction State 31, Virginia Tech 17 How will NC State respond to the loss at Duke? The Wolfpack is a double-digit favorite and should win. Virginia Tech, which is, features a veteran quarterback in Kyron Drones and has nothing to lose. I expect the contest to be close early and believe Drones’ mobility will cause issues for the Wolfpack’s defense, which ranks 15th in the ACC, allowing 414 yards per game. Offensively, look for the Pack to lean on the ground game especially considering Virginia Tech is next to last against the run in the ACC. The Wolfpack’s success on the ground will take pressure off quarterback CJ Bailey. Down the stretch, State makes a handful of explosive plays , and creates a turnover or two on defense, which enables them to win by two scores.

Series history: Virginia Tech and North Carolina State have met 52 times, with the Hokies holding a 20-20-4 edge. They last met on November 18, 2023, with the Wolfpack escaping with a 35-28 win. This series is sneakily close and been pretty even overall. 

Next: NC State hosts Campbell University on 10/4.Virginia Tech meets Wake Forest on 10/6.