First look: NC State and Virginia Tech game information, key matchup, betting line
N.C. State (7-3) heads on the road for one last regular season road game this weekend, facing Virginia Tech (5-5) in Week 12.
It projects to be another tough but exciting matchup this week, especially since they’re both looking to break the three-way tie for third place. They, along with North Carolina, are 4-2 in ACC play.
Both teams picked up wins in Week 11. The Hokies beat Boston College, 48-22, and the Wolfpack defeated Wake Forest, 26-6.
Graduate student quarterback Brennan Armstrong made his return to the starting lineup against the Demon Deacons, finishing with a game-high 96 rushing yards and finding receivers for 111 passing yards. He added a pair of touchdowns, as well. His performance – along with the defense’s execution – led the Pack to its first win in Winston-Salem since 2015 and third since 2000.
Armstrong has a chance to continue his redemption arc this weekend.
He never won in Blacksburg during his time at Virginia. Meanwhile, the Pack is 1-3 on the road against the Hokies since 2004, losing three straight. Head coach Dave Doeren is also winless when playing at Lane Stadium.
N.C. State defeated Virginia Tech, 22-21, last season at home in Carter-Finley Stadium.
Based on similar opponents, the Hokies also beat Wake Forest and lost to Louisville. They also lost to Marshall, but the Wolfpack came out on top in its meeting with the Herd.
ESPN’s projections give N.C. State a 51.9% chance of winning.
Key comparison: Antwaun Powell-Ryland vs. NC State defense
N.C. State’s roster features linebacker Payton Wilson, who leads the league in tackles – for all games and conference only – and ranks No. 5 in tackles for loss.
The Hokies have a similar do-it-all man in defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Powell-Ryland ranks No. 4 overall in the ACC for tackles for loss, logging 12.5 total and 12 solo. His stat sheet includes nine sacks for a loss of 68 yards, good enough for No. 2 in the conference.
When looking at conference-only numbers, he’s No. 2 – behind, you guessed it, Wilson – in tackles for loss and No. 1 in sacks (7). He’s also No. 3 in fumble recoveries and fumbles forced (2).
His performance against Wake Forest earned him ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week last month, when he contributed six tackles, including four sacks. He added a forced fumble and recovery.
Powell-Ryland hasn’t been quite as productive in recent games, but he’s still been a force on the Hokies defense that knows how to pressure an opposing offense.
N.C. State’s offense put up 17.8 points per game in its six league games, though the losses to Louisville (10 points) and Duke (three points) skewed the average. In the four remaining games, it scored 20 points or more.
The defense, however, leads the league and has only allowed an average of 14.5 points per game. It only gave up six points in each of its last two outings and held everyone else under 25.
Comparatively, the Hokies averaged 29 points in its six ACC contests and allowed 23.2 opponent points.
Wilson is the No. 1 guy for the Wolfpack defense, but he’s gotten a lot of help in the efforts – especially since the bye. Powell-Ryland isn’t alone in Virginia Tech’s defensive scheme by any means, but the supporting cast isn’t quite as large.
Vegas betting odds
The Wolfpack opened as a 3.5-point favorite over the Hokies.
NC State at Virginia Tech game and TV info
Teams: N.C. State Wolfpack (7-3, 4-2 ACC) vs Virginia Tech Hokies (5-5, 4-2 ACC)
Where: Blacksburg, Virginia
Date: Saturday, Nov. 18
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ACC Network
Stream: DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, SlingTV
