Preview: North Carolina State at Virginia Tech.

[Greenbacks]

Virginia Tech needs a boost after two straight unexpected losses and could get a big one when they host North Carolina State on Friday night in an ACC contest. Quarterback Michael Brewer, who suffered a broken collarbone in the opener against No. 1 Ohio State, was cleared to practice Monday as the Hokies began preparing to host the Wolfpack for the first time since 2009.

Brewer, who was 11-for-16 against Ohio State before going down, likely will be a game-time decision when Virginia Tech goes for its fourth straight win in the series. N.C. State is coming off its first loss of the season -- a 20-13 defeat against Louisville at home -- and has dropped eight of its last 10 ACC road games. Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett has not thrown an interception in his last 34 quarters of action and will go against a defense that boasts 12 takeaways. The key may be who can get their ground game going, after Virginia Tech managed only nine yards rushing last week in a 17-13 loss to Pittsburgh and N.C. State had 45 in 30 carries.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Virginia Tech -1.5

ABOUT N.C. STATE (4-1, 0-1 ACC): Running back Matthew Dayes was held to 68 yards last week after producing at least 100 in the first four games this season and has registered 10 touchdowns overall. Brissett has completed 73.2 percent of his passes, including seven TD strikes, and tight end Jaylen Samuels is the top target (25 catches, 300 yards, four TDs). The Wolfpack are third in the nation in total defense (225.8 yards per game), buoyed by a strong non-league performance, but allowed 306 last week – 203 on the ground.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (2-3, 0-1): Brenden Motley has thrown for 861 yards and completed 57.1 percent of his passes with seven TD tosses and five interceptions since replacing Brewer. The bigger problem is the Hokies’ ground attack, which was throttled in a 17-13 loss to Pittsburgh last week with leading rusher Travon McMillian held to 14 yards. Isaiah Ford is the top receiver with 24 receptions for 382 yards (two, 21 last week), and Motley or Brewer needs better protection to find him after the Hokies surrendered seven sacks last Saturday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech S Chuck Clark leads the team with 8.2 tackles per game, tied for seventh in the ACC.

2. Dayes, who also has 18 receptions this year, is the seventh player to score at least 10 touchdowns in a single season for N.C. State.

3. The Hokies are 106-25 at home since 1995 but has dropped two of three in Blacksburg so far this season.


ATS Trends

North Carolina State

Wolfpack are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games. Wolfpack are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Wolfpack are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Wolfpack are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Wolfpack are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Wolfpack are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. loss. Wolfpack are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games in October.

Virginia Tech

Hokies are 41-17-2 ATS in their last 60 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Hokies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Hokies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games. Hokies are 8-19 ATS in their last 27 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Hokies are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Hokies are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Hokies are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 conference games. Hokies are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Hokies are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Hokies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in October.

OU Trends

North Carolina State

Under is 3-0-1 in Wolfpack last 4 games in October. Over is 8-1-1 in Wolfpack last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 7-1 in Wolfpack last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 5-1 in Wolfpack last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 15-4-2 in Wolfpack last 21 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Under is 10-3-1 in Wolfpack last 14 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Wolfpack last 5 games following a S.U. loss. Over is 3-1-1 in Wolfpack last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Wolfpack last 5 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-2-1 in Wolfpack last 8 conference games.

Virginia Tech

Under is 8-0 in Hokies last 8 games in October. Over is 6-1 in Hokies last 7 games overall. Over is 5-1 in Hokies last 6 home games. Over is 5-1 in Hokies last 6 games on grass. Over is 4-1 in Hokies last 5 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 8-2 in Hokies last 10 conference games. Under is 20-7-1 in Hokies last 28 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 18-8 in Hokies last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

 

[RedElephants]

One thing I always do when capping is take a brief look at the locals both fans and reporters to get a feel from the guys who focus on every play. I was shocked at the response. The vast majority regardless of who plays QB for VT have lost confidence in this team to beat anyone. I'll be honest I've not focused on this team since Brewer got hurt but they played well prior to that. The numbers say VT 101 in Rushing Defense vs #25 NC St Rushing Offense is an issue. And NC St by far is the better Defense here and the locals have no faith whatsoever in VT Running the football. Its NC State or nothing in my opinion......gl

 

[RedElephants]

And I am not sure about NC State and their cream puff schedule so its nothing for me by the way.....

 

[stander]

Line up to 3.

 

[JohnArrhea]

took Wolfpack last week. They chaffed my sac and gave me a bad case on Gonorrhea

 

[3pointdog]

took Wolfpack last week. They chaffed my sac and gave me a bad case on Gonorrhea

almost lost my coffee on that one!! funny shit

 

[Biz]

NC St definitely has played a soft Non-Conf schedule.

That being said they are a solid play for me tonight. The VA Tech run defense is a problem, its awful. NC St has the ability to run the ball and should be able to control the clock. They allow 13.6 ppg, run it for 216/gm at 4.7 per carry while Va Tech allows 197.6 on 5 yds a pop.

I've said it many times......give me the team with the better defense and the ability to control the line of scrimmage (run the ball and stop the run) if they are a dog.

NC St +3 for me.