virginia tech-wake forest preview

Jackson Didlake

October 24, 2020

After having its way with Boston College last week, Virginia Tech looks to improve to 4-1 against Wake Forest on the road.

The Hokies (3-1, 3-1 ACC) enter the matchup after a big 40-14 victory over Boston College, while Wake Forest (2-2, 2-1) enters after knocking off Virginia 40-23. One of the Demon Deacons' two losses came at the hands of juggernaut Clemson.

Wake Forest’s other loss came against a common foe with Virginia Tech - NC State. The Wolfpack were able to narrowly get the best of the Demon Deacons 45-42 to start their season before being defeated 45-24 by the Hokies.

Wake Forest’s key to the game: Slow down the run game

The easiest route to a victory for the Demon Deacons is to slow down the identity of the Virginia Tech offense: the run game. Khalil Herbert is averaging a nation-best 240.5 all-purpose yards per game and Hendon Hooker is coming off of his first 100-yard game of his career against the Eagles. If Carlos Basham Jr. and company can get to Hooker, the Demon Deacons may be able to escape with a win.

Virginia Tech’s key to the game: Clean up the secondary

It’s no secret that the Hokies have had their issues on defense with COVID-19 and contact tracing leaving players out of the starting roster. The backend of the defense saw a major improvement last week when Winston-Salem native Divine Deablo returned to the lineup after being out. Deablo, along with the potential return of Jermaine Waller, should get this defense back on track.

Wake Forest player to watch: Running back Kenneth Walker III

Walker has been the player to watch on Wake Forest this season and is coming off of back-to-back 100-yard performances. In only four games, the sophomore has recorded 383 yards and seven touchdowns. The Hokies are only two weeks removed from giving up 399 yards against North Carolina in a loss. Shutting down Walker is paramount for a Hokies victory on Saturday.

Virginia Tech player to watch: Tight end James Mitchell

The Hokies have had success on offense running the ball, but there hasn’t been a true receiver breakout as the No. 1 option. Mitchell may be that guy. Through four games, Mitchell has 214 yards and three touchdowns. He is coming off a down week with only 20 yards against Boston College after recording 103 yards against North Carolina. He may be the key to the Hokies pass offense.

Score Prediction: 38-21 Virginia Tech