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Hokies host Wolfpack in ACC action

Wed 18th, November 2009

Blacksburg, VA (Sports Network) - The 16th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies host the NC State Wolfpack in an ACC matchup this weekend at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field in Blacksburg.

The Hokies have enjoyed another solid campaign, but unlike the past two years, they won't be participating in the ACC championship game, as Georgia Tech will represent the Coastal Division by virtue of its 7-1 finish within the conference. Still, VT has a lot to play for and it came away with a convincing 36-9 triumph over Maryland last weekend.

"We've still got a chance for 10 wins," said head coach Frank Beamer, who has led VT to five straight double-digit win campaigns.

At 7-3 overall, the Hokies would need to win their remaining two games and their bowl contest in order to reach the 10-win plateau.

One team standing in their way of that accomplishment in NC State, although the Wolfpack has offered little resistance to ACC foes, going just 1-5 within the conference. After picking up its lone league win over Maryland, NC State returned to its losing ways with a 43-23 setback against nationally-ranked Clemson last weekend.

"We had too many drops and just could never get off on the right foot," said coach Tom O'Brien.

With two of the team's wins coming over FCS programs and just a 4-6 overall mark, the Wolfpack will miss out on a bowl game for the second time in three seasons under O'Brien.

In terms of the all-time series, VT holds a 24-18-4 lead over NC State and it has won five of the last eight meetings.

The Wolfpack managed 377 total yards, below its season average of 413.2 ypg, as it was defeated by Clemson over the weekend. Quarterback Russell Wilson didn't have his best game either, converting on just 12-of-32 pass attempts for 183 yards, with two touchdowns and one pick.

"As a quarterback you have to throw the ball out there to the receiver in order to have a chance to get those calls for you," said O'Brien, who was frustrated the offense scored only seven points in the first half. "You have to count on some of those calls."

Wilson though, has been one of the few bright spots for this team and on the season he has thrown for 2,534 yards, with 26 scores and 10 picks. He can also get the job done with his legs, ranking second the team with 319 yards and four touchdowns.

Jarvis Williams has been one of Wilson's main targets and he has made 36 catches for 472 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns, including two in last weekend's loss.

In the backfield, Toney Baker leads the squad with 644 yards and six scores and he had 76 yards on 19 carries against Clemson.

Defensively, the Wolfpack were shredded by Clemson, allowing 454 total yards, including 254 on the ground. The Tigers averaged 7.1 yards per carry on the ground and completed an efficient 13-of-19 pass attempts in scoring six total touchdowns against NC State's defense.

"We simply made too many mistakes and allowed too many big plays defensively," said O'Brien.

NC State was burnt for several big plays and failed to come up with a sack or takeaway in a completely dismal performance. Creating turnovers has been an issue all season long for this unit, which has forced only 11.

Willie Young has been the team's most consistent player on this side of the ball and he paces the defense with seven sacks and 11 TFLs, to go along with 45 stops for the season.

The Hokies scored touchdowns on four of their first five possessions on their way to 484 total yards of offense in a rout of Maryland last weekend. VT continued to find success on the ground, gaining 216 yards on 49 carries, and they are now averaging 197.9 rushing ypg this season. Ryan Williams continued is terrific campaign, as he rushed for 126 yards and a score on 23 carries. It marked the seventh 100-yard effort by the freshman back, who has accumulated 1,235 yards and 11 scores on the ground this season.

Tyrod Taylor also took advantage of Maryland's poor defense, as he threw for 268 yards and three scores, while adding 81 yards on the ground.

"I think it was one of my better games," Taylor said. "I still had a lot of mistakes and I think I can go back and look at the film and see what I can do better."

The elusive quarterback has now thrown for 12 touchdowns against just three picks, and he is dangerous outside of the pocket, rushing for 292 yards and four more scores.

Jarrett Boykin is his top target, with 30 catches on the year, and he too was successful last weekend, grabbing three balls for 118 yards and his fourth touchdown of the campaign.

VT's defense was just as successful as the offense last weekend, holding Maryland to only 236 total yards, including just 104 through the air. The unit didn't allowed a touchdown either, and added six sacks to the dominant performance.

The Hokies have traditionally been strong on defense under coach Beamer and this season is no different. VT is keeping opponents to 16.6 ppg and 304.7 total ypg and has been especially good versus the pass, allowing only 157.2 ypg and seven touchdowns through the air.

Cody Grimm leads the defense with 85 tackles and four forced fumbles, while Rashad Carmichael has shown a nose for the ball by recording a team-high five interceptions.