Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football vs. Virginia Tech: Game info, preview and more

By Zack Pearson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 05: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 05: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The UNC Football team is hoping to move to 3-1 in conference play as they take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on the road

The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the field on Saturday after a bye week at 3-2 and tied for first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division. A win on Saturday means UNC will at least be tied with either Duke or Virginia, who play eachother, atop the standings after Week 8.

That’s huge.

After winning just two ACC games over the past two years, Mack Brown has his team in position to contend for the Coastal Division and play in the Conference Championship Game. But standing ahead of them is a tough road game at Virginia Tech.

While the Hokies have struggled at times this season, playing in Blacksburg is no easy task and Saturday’s game shouldn’t be any different. The Hokies enter the game at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the ACC. They are riding a two-game streak including a big road win over Miami two weeks ago, a week after they were blown out by Duke at home.

The Hokies have been a weird team this season. There is talent on their roster but have lost to Boston College and Duke while beating Rhode Island and Old Dominion in addition to the Hurricanes.

They do have a threat on offense and it’s a kid local to North Carolina.

Greensboro native Hendon Hooker took over as the starter and has led the Hokies to a 2-0 record in the two games he’s played in. He’s thrown for 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and 445 yards during that span. Hooker is a versatile quarterback that can beat you with his legs and arm so UNC will have to make sure to contain him in the pocket. If he gets out of the pocket and keeps plays alive, it could be trouble for the Tar Heels.

But while Hooker leads the offense, it’s Virginia Tech’s defense that is very vulnerable. The Hokies have given up at least 17 points in each of their six games this season including 35 to Boston College, 45 to Duke and 35 to Miami. This is an area where UNC’s offense can excel in and take advantage of behind quarterback Sam Howell.

Let’s get into our preview:

UNC key to victory

Taking care of the football will be a huge component for UNC on the road Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg. The Tar Heels have done a good job of doing that so far this season and it’s paid off in the form of three wins.

Quarterback Sam Howell has been really good and has only thrown three interceptions compared to 15 touchdown passes. When he’s had to scramble, he’s done a good job of picking up yards on the ground and protecting the football.

UNC’s running backs have also done a great job of protecting the rock. They have been really good this season on the ground but more importantly, they aren’t putting the football on the ground and are protecting it.

If UNC can win the turnover battle and force some takeaways of Virginia Tech, they should come out successful.

Something to watch

The battle in the trenches could also decide this one. We know UNC is going to want to run the football to make things easier on quarterback Sam Howell, and if successful it will open up the play action for him. If UNC can dominate at the line of scrimmage, then it will open some big running holes for Javonte Williams and Michael Carter.

Keeping Howell clean and letting him scan the field will also be big for this offense. And of course, that starts upfront for them.

On defense, the Tar Heels can’t let Hooker beat them. They need to get pressure on the quarterback and force him into tough spots. Not letting Hooker get out of the pocket and keeping plays alive will be a huge key. With the injuries to the secondary, it’s going to be up to the front seven to have a big impact.

What you need to know

WHAT?  North Carolina Tar Heels 3-2 (2-1 ACC) at Virginia Tech Hokies 4-2 (1-2 ACC)
WHEN?  Saturday,  October 19, 3:30 p.m. EST
WHERE?  Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia
TV? ACCN Extra
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? .Cloudy with a high of 60 and a chance of rain
LINE? UNC -3.5
ALL-TIME SERIES? Virginia Tech leads 23-11-6
LAST MEETING? Virginia Tech beat UNC 22-19 in 2018
PREDICTION? UNC 27, Virginia Tech 20

Home/UNC Football