virginia tech-nc state preview

Jackson Didlake

September 26, 2020

After multiple postponements due to COVID-19, the Hokies are set to kick off their season on Saturday in Lane Stadium against NC State.

The game will be televised at 8 p.m. on ACC Network.

Saturday will be Justin Fuente’s first crack at the Wolfpack as the Hokies’ head coach. The two last met in 2015, with the Frank Beamer led Hokies walking away with a 28-13 victory at Lane Stadium. The all-time series is 27-18-4 in favor of Virginia Tech.

The Wolfpack won their season opener 45-42 on Sept. 19 at home against Wake Forest. The bout was an offensive showcase for both teams.

The Hokies, yet to play a game, are coming into their first real game action since the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Christmas Eve. The Wolfpack have the advantage of seeing in-game action. Don't be surprised if the Hokies start out flat, but as the game progresses, they should rebound.

Virginia Tech is still a mystery after not playing a game yet. There are many question marks to watch on Saturday. Is Hendon Hooker in line for a big season? How does the running back situation look? Is the secondary as bad as we think it may be? All these questions will slowly start to become answered, but in a new age of COVID-19 college football, take everything with a grain of salt. This is the season of the unknown.

The biggest wildcard on Saturday will be what players are out due to COVID-19. Fuente said earlier in the week that the Hokies would not have a full roster, so the question is who misses time.

NC State key of the game: Sharpen up on defense

It’s no secret that the Wolfpack were torched last Saturday. Wake Forest found the end zone five times and recorded 385 total yards, including 236 yards through the air from Sam Hartman.

Hendon Hooker started 6-0 in 2019 and will look to get on a hot streak to start the season. Along with wide receiver Tré Turner and transfers Khalil Herbert and Raheem Blackshear at running back, the Hokies could get on a roll.

Virginia Tech key of the game: Stop the run

The Wolfpack made their living on the ground against the Demon Deacons, recording a total of 270 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Junior Ricky Person Jr. led the way with 99 yards and two scores, and sophomore Zonovan Knight added 97 yards and a score.

Anchored by senior Jerrod Hewitt, the entire Hokies defensive front returns from 2019. If the experienced group up front can contain the Wolfpack run game, the Hokies will be in good standing for a victory.

NC State player to watch: Redshirt junior quarterback Bailey Hockman

Hockman won the Wolfpack starting job in camp and excelled in the NC State victory over Wake Forest, passing for 191 yards and a score, while adding 30 yards and a touchdown on the ground. With Virginia Tech’s secondary being a big question after Caleb Farley opted out and Devin Hunter was suspended indefinitely, Hockman will have the chance to have a big game.

Virginia Tech player to watch: Junior wide receiver Tré Turner

Turner is in line to see a lot of work this season after Damon Hazelton transferred to Missouri. The Greensboro native will need to breakout and become a top option for Hooker as a result of a weak receiving core. Turner will have a great opportunity to start his season on a high note against a weak NC State secondary that gave up 236 yards on 23 of 26 passing against the Demon Deacons.

Prediction: 27-17, Virginia Tech