First look: After loss at Duke, NC State football faces struggling Virginia Tech
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Virginia Tech ends losing streak with 38-6 win over Wofford under new coach
- N.C. State seeks redemption after turnover-heavy loss to Duke in Week 4
- Kyron Drones leads Hokies to Raleigh after posting 307 passing yards, 2 TDs
There are few teams in the country more desperate for an FBS win than Virginia Tech, and the Hokies come to Raleigh this week against an upset N.C. State team that will be out for redemption after its mistake-filled loss to Duke.
Virginia Tech has its work cut out under interim head coach Philip Montgomery, who was placed in the position after the program fired Brent Pry. The Hokies opened their season with a 24-11 neutral site loss to South Carolina, in which it was competitive for the first three quarters. However, they followed that up with a 44-20 loss to Vanderbilt and 45-26 loss to Old Dominion … at home … in a game they paid the Monarchs $400,000.
Despite the rough start, VaTech is coming off a 38-6 win over Wofford, its first win of the season, thanks to a huge effort from quarterback Kyron Drones. Drones completed 27 of 32 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception. As a team, the Hokies gained 461 yards and went 6 of 7 in the red zone.
It was the best defensive performance of the season, as well, after giving up an average of 37.6 points in the first three contests. Virginia Tech held the Terriers to eight first downs and 141 total yards.
Additionally, VaTech won the game without a dozen players, including several starters, presumably as they mulled their decision whether to remain with the program. The transfer portal is open for 30 days following a head coach’s firing.
The Hokies were listed at No. 70 in the ESPN Football Power Index, while the Wolfpack came in at No. 57. ESPN gives N.C. State a 63.8% chance of winning.
The Wolfpack has not won three games in a row against Virginia Tech since the 1950s and ‘60s, but a bounce back outing could do that. N.C. State won in Blacksburg in 2023 and in Raleigh, by one point, in 2022.
Players to watch: Kyron Drones and CJ Bailey
Drones comes to Raleigh after his season-high performance against Wofford, and the third-best passing yardage of his career, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can carry that confidence and efficiency into another game.
Drones is a seasoned vet for the Hokies, throwing for 4,574 yards and rushing for 1,298 yards in three years with VaTech, has a chance to lead his team to a second win of the season.
N.C. State’s defense has struggled with consistency at points in every game this season, but its performance against Duke was the worst of the season. According to PFF, the Wolfpack graded out at 58.6 on defense, 11.2 points lower than its previous low against Virginia. The coverage grade was 48.4, or 18.2 points lower than its grade against East Carolina.
With the N.C. State defense desperate to make a statement, Drones could be on the receiving end of the most aggressive pass rush the Wolfpack has put on the field this season.
On the other side, N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey looks to bounce back from his rollercoaster of an outing against Duke. The sophomore QB threw for a career-high 364 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble.
Running back Hollywood Smothers believes Bailey will bounce back. The sophomore knew what he did wrong, and as long as he approaches each game the way he has been, Smothers said the offense will be fine.
“We gave them that game. We had to lead. We just gotta finish, honestly, and not turn the ball over,” Smothers said. “We were negative four in the turnover margin. It’s hard to win like that and just beat ourselves.”
If Bailey can get back into his rhythm, he has proven receivers, Smothers and Duke Scott to help him. The VaTech defense may not be able to keep up if the Wolfpack offense rebounds like it has all season.
“Maybe that’s what we needed,” Smothers said. “I ain’t gonna question God. Maybe we needed this to reset, go back to the drawing board and watch the film and fix our mistakes. We’re gonna get better. There’s only one way to go — up — from here.”
Vegas betting info
N.C. State opened as a 7.5-point favorite over Virginia Tech with an over/under set at 58 points, according to Circa Sports. PFF, however, listed the Wolfpack as a 10.5-point favorite with a 57.5-point over/under.
NC State vs game info
Teams: N.C. State Wolfpack (3-1) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (1-3)
Where: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh
Date: Sept. 27
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: The CW
Stream: fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV Stream
Series history: Virginia Tech leads the all-time series 20-28-4, and it holds a 5-4-1 record in the last 10 meetings. N.C. State has won two games in a row, including a 35-28 road win over the Hokies in 2023. A win on Saturday would give the Wolfpack its first three-game winning streak against VaTech since its victories in 1959, 1960 and 1963.
