N.C. State at No. 16 Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech at ECU

Tudor's take

Much has changed since August, when the Hokies and Pirates, now both 5-3, were expected to bring top-20 rankings into a nationally significant showdown between the ACC and Conference USA.

A difficult early season schedule quickly lowered the ceiling for ECU's hopes and potential, while Virginia Tech has been undermined by an average offense and the kind of game-changing turnovers that Frank Beamer's teams rarely commit.

Tudor's take

Tudor's take

Although North Carolina's defense is likely to regain its composure and play much better than it did in last week's 30-27 loss to Florida State, the timing is still perfectly rotten for the Tar Heels.

Virginia Tech has had almost two weeks to seethe over the costly loss at Georgia Tech that's likely to keep the Hokies out of the ACC title game and a big bowl appearance.

Tudor's take: North Carolina at N.C. State

It's reached the point that it's dangerous for opponents to even attempt passes against Carolina (8-3, 4-3 ACC). Still, Russell Wilson and the Wolfpack (4-7, 1-6) probably will need to throw a lot.

The Pack's ground game has improved some of late, but how do you play it safe when the defense is giving up 32 points? That's been State's dilemma for two months.

Both teams will bring in incentives galore, but emotions aren't likely to rule the entire afternoon.

By the numbers, Hokies ready to rock against Devils

Virginia Tech arrives in Durham today as the nation's sixth-ranked football team, emboldened by a dominating win over No. 17 Miami and primed to repeat as ACC champion as predicted.

Frank Beamer's team enters the noon game against Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium with just one loss on its record -- a 34-24 setback against No. 3 Alabama. It also arrives armed with a defense that has allowed only one passing touchdown this season.

Wondering how long the Hokies can keep this up? Consider these numbers:

N.C. State at Boston College

Tudor's take

The timing could not be better for a little reverse logic.

Boston College gave up 48 points to Virginia Tech last week, and N.C. State surrendered 49 to Duke.