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Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina College Football Match Up Preview

North Carolina hopes to redeem itself against 17th ranked Virginia Tech Saturday after losing a winnable game at home in its opener 21-16 to Rutgers September 2nd. Saturday’s game, the ACC opener for both schools, will be televised nationally by ESPN. The Tar Heels hope to bounce back after the Rutgers loss where the Tar Heels gave up large chunks of ground to the Scarlet Knight’s rushing attack and repeated turnovers including a fourth quarter red zone fumble recovered by Rutgers. Virginia Tech won its opening game 38-0 against NCAA 1AA member Northeastern.

Virginia Tech and North Carolina will be meeting on the gridiron for the 30th time in a series that dates back to 1895 however this will be just the fourth meeting between the schools since the 1946 season. Tech’s last trip to Chapel Hill was a close one as the Hokies held on for a 27-24 win en route to an ACC Championship in 2004.

Tar Heel’s head coach John Bunting attributed some of last week’s problems to lack of execution by an inexperienced team with nine players starting their first game. “We had nine players who were making their first starts,” Bunting said in his post-game press conference. “Some of them played quite well; others need to get better in their second starts. This team we’re playing is obviously the King of the ACC. They’re 14-2, 8-0 on the road (in conference play). That’s a pretty awesome record.”

For North Carolina to have a chance against Virginia Tech, the Tar Heels need better execution from defensive tackle Shelton Bynum and defensive captain Larry Edwards. Bunting said he was particularly disappointed with the Tar Heel’s linebacker play and the fact the secondary made no big plays despite having a couple of good opportunities. Bunting described his defense as being gashed in the middle by the Rutgers rushing attack. He did credit the good play of weak side linebacker slots manned by sophomore Mark Paschal and red-shirt freshman Chase Rice and junior end Hilee Taylor.

The Heels lack of rushing defense will not get a break from the Hokie ground game especially with Virginia Tech tail back Brandon Ore coming to town. Ore is a Doak Walker Award nominee (for college football’s best RB) only played a limited role last week carrying the ball 11 times for 55 yards. Sophomore Sean Glennon has been named starting quarterback for the Hokies for the second week. Against Northeastern, Glennon was 15 for 18 and 222 yards and three touchdowns. He guided the Hokies to scores the first three times Virginia Tech had the ball. Glennon first became the Virginia Tech starter in 2005 after Marcus Vick was suspended.

It will be interesting to see what improvements the Tar Heels make following last weeks loss to Rutgers. NC can be a difficult place to play at home especially knowing they are listed as a double digit home underdog giving up a 13 point chalk at double digit home underdog giving up a 13 point chalk a Bodog. Look for NC to shore up the defensive problems and cover the line at home.

Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina

Saturday 11:00 AM EDT

Line VT –13(BODOG)

TV(ESPN)

My Prediction: North Carolina +13

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