PREVIEW: VA TECH HOKIES v. NC State
Last week NC State (4-1, 0-1) missed a golden opportunity. It’s not often one gets a second chance to redeem oneself so quickly. However, Friday night at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg Virgina, NC State will have a chance to do just that. A road victory not only would remove the bad Louisville taste out of everyone’s mouth, but it would give the Pack its first conference victory of the season before the bye week.
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Virgina Tech (2-3, 0-1) is desperate for a win. The Wolfpack, if emotions have been managed properly should be desperate for redemption. The injury plagued Hokies are coming off a 17-13 loss to Pitt. NC State is coming off a 20-13 loss to Louisville. Both teams lost home contests last weekend and both are looking to avoid an 0-2 conference start. In short…both teams are desperate.
Nov 1, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Frank Beamer reacts in the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer isn’t used to such sloppy starts, though in recent years his team’s play has taken a nose dive of sorts. Beamer, in his 29th season at Va. Tech has a 231-115-2 record at the school. However, in the past 3 seasons, Beamer teams have struggled and finished 7-6, 8-5, 7-6. This season appears to be no different.
Hokie quarterback Michael Brewer has missed four games after breaking his left collarbone against No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 7th, but is expected back for Friday’s game. The news isn’t as good for defensive players Corey Marshall(DT) and Desmond Frye (S) who are listed as doubtful for the game. Both are recovering from hamstring injuries.
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NC State, thus far, has avoided the major injury bug, though losing oft troubled Shadrach Thornton for the remainder of season is a blow. The rushing load now falls on junior running back Matt Dayes and a bevy of youngsters primed for the additional unexpected playing time.
Redshirt senior Jacoby Brissett must step up big and fulfill the leadership role he has shown he is capable of. That said, the entire team has to realize the opportunity in front of them. Get past the Hokies, then Wake Forest and the Wolfpack could be 6-1 hosting the Clemson Tigers on October 31st for homecoming.
It will be a tough game, but I believe the Pack can pull out a close one. NC STATE 24 – Va TECH 20
When: Friday, October 9, 2015 8:00pm Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
TV: ESPN