virginia tech-North Carolina preview

David Cunningham

October 10, 2020

Virginia Tech waltzed past Duke last week in Durham for its second win of the season. Running back Khalil Herbert was electrifying, tallying 207 yards rushing and 150 yards in the return game.

This week, the No. 18 Hokies (2-0, 2-0 ACC) face their toughest challenge yet – No. 8 North Carolina (2-0, 2-0 ACC). It’s a battle of two undefeated teams and a highly anticipated matchup.

Everyone remembers what happened last year in six overtimes in Lane Stadium. Quincy Patterson’s two-point conversion gave Virginia Tech a 43-41 win over the Tar Heels in the four-hour game.

Now, the two teams meet again - this time in Chapel Hill. Justin Fuente is 4-0 vs. Carolina at the helm of the Hokies, while Mack Brown is in his second season with the Tar Heels and barely lost to Fuente & Co. in 2019.

Who will come out on top in what many consider to be the most important game for both teams this season?

North Carolina’s key to the game: Stop Virginia Tech’s offensive line

I know I’m repeating what Chris Hirons said in last week’s preview of VT and Duke, but the line of scrimmage has been Tech’s strength through the first two games. Two games of 300-plus rushing yards in the first two games of 2020? Unthought of by all of college football.

Carolina is tenth in the nation in total defense and first in rushing defense. If Virginia Tech wants to have success on offense, it starts up front, and this will be the biggest challenge the Hokies have faced yet. Brock Hoffman and the rest of the offensive line have been up to the challenge the last two weeks – will they be up for it against a top ten North Carolina side?

Virginia Tech’s key to the game: Get pressure on Sam Howell

While Tech’s offense has been on fire, the Hokies’ defense has stayed competitive despite a lack of players due to COVID-19 and injury. Tech leads the nation in sacks per game with an average of 6.5 and has controlled the line of scrimmage on defense through the first two games. The Hokies have also played with a depleted secondary so far. If Tech wants to have success on defense, pressuring Howell, one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, is a must. If Howell has time to run free, it’ll be a long day in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina Player to Watch: Linebacker Chazz Surratt

The Denver, N.C. native is at the core of North Carolina’s defense and will need to have another huge day if the Tar Heels want to slip past the Hokies. He ranks first in the ACC in sacks with an average of 1.5 per game and sixth in total tackles with an average of 8.5, so it’s safe to say he’ll be a factor on Saturday. If he can give a boost to a UNC defensive line that has been fantastic through the first two games, the Tar Heels will have an easier time trying to corral Tech’s dynamic rushing attack.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Running back Raheem Blackshear

The do-it-all guy has been fairly quiet for Tech through the first two games. He was nicked up against NC State and barely saw time in the second half, while he recorded 59 yards rushing against Duke. It was heavily mentioned in the offseason how dynamic the Rutgers transfer was, and the Hokies haven’t really seen it in a game yet – Blackshear hasn’t recorded a reception in a Tech uniform. If the Hokies want to pull off a win in Chapel Hill, Blackshear will need to step up and have a day to complement Khalil Herbert.

Prediction:

It’ll be a very 2016-esque game with a bit of rain and high stakes. I think UNC’s offense finds its form against the Hokies. Sam Howell and the Tar Heels haven’t exactly played the toughest competition yet this season – Syracuse and Boston College – and Howell has thrown three picks and three touchdowns. He’ll be more efficient against Tech and the UNC offense will take advantage of a somewhat young and inexperienced secondary for the Hokies.

Tech can keep it close and could pull away, but North Carolina’s rush defense will force Tech to throw the ball, something they haven’t done consistently this season. The Hokies only threw the ball ONCE in the fourth quarter of last week’s game at Duke. UNC will have plenty of opportunities to win but the Hokies pull out the victory on the road. Hendon Hooker’s return benefits the Hokies but concerns in Tech’s passing offense is what has me puzzled.

Hokies in a nail biter thanks to their offensive line paving the way.

Score: Virginia Tech 28, North Carolina 27

Game info:

Time: 12:00 p.m. ET

Channel: ABC

Broadcast Crew: Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Dan Orlovsky (color) and Dr. Jerry Punch (sideline)

Line: UNC -3.5