NC State has had an extra two days to prepare for Georgia Tech's offense that really hasn't looked sharp until the second half against North Carolina a week ago. The reason is clear as this team lost Dwyer and only return two starters along the offensive line, one of which is now 2nd string. Either way Tech will be a handful to prepare for, for the Wolfpack that has gotten off to a surprising start. Problem also will be on a very weak Tech defense that also has many changes they have gone from a 4-3 to a 3-4. They face Russell Wilson a dual threat QB that should give them some issues. They faced two subpar pocket passers the first two weeks in Yates and Webb now Wilson is a challenge.
NC State has stuffed the run the first two weeks holding Cinci to 2.4 ypc and UCF 2.8ypc, but both teams do not feature a running game like Georgia Tech. NC State has three talented linebackers that should help here with Audie Cole and Terrell Manning anchoring. NC State's strength on offense is it's offensive line that averaged 310 lbs and 6'3 which should give Tech a lot of issues and Wilson plenty of time to escape the pocket and make throws on the run like he likes to do. Yates/Webb through for 388 yards on 36-53 while throwing just 1 INT. Wilson should beat that. Tech is just 5-15-2 ATS in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning record while NC State 23-10-1 ATS in their last 35 as a road dog.
Virginia Tech has been sloppy and they lost to James Madison after losing to Boise State to open up the season. now they go away from the MId -Atlantic into a hostile environment in an early battle with BC. Tech just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 @BC where the Eagles play defense.
It's defense and running the ball two ingredients for home dogs to cover. Tyrod Taylor will have his hands full with two terrific sideline to sideline LB's in Herzlich and Kuechly who has 21 tackles in 2 games. Boston College also has an advantage of having an extra week of preparation here. the running game should improve with Montel Harris and one of the largest Offensive lines in the country anchored by LT Anthony Costanzo. I just think Virginia Tech does not have the experience inside to deal with this size which will allow BC to keep the ball for long periods of time and really shorten this game which is what they want to do.
Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams injured again and it's not much of a lose the way Evans and Wilson have played, but Evans has 2 fumbles in 2 weeks and that could be a huge difference in a hostile environment. All the pressure is on Vtech and BC can play lose as dogs. Shinskie had a nightmare game vs. Vtech last year, but he's home and Boston won't ask him to do much but his Chris Pantale the TE over the middle and they have size at WR that can stretch the field to loosen up the running game.
