Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina Preview
The last time I wrote here, Frank Beamer & Co. were in the midst of a five game winning streak. That streak has since stretched to seven. Tyrod Taylor and T.J. Yates of North Carolina were playing better football at the quarterback position than anyone in the conference, including their more heralded counterparts from the state of Florida, Jacory Harris and Christian Ponder. Their recent performances would not dissuade me from saying that still holds true.
Those points were hit, as was a glance into the future, at the potential for the Hokies to end up in Charlotte on December 4. This is what I said: "...frankly, I think the only team that ought to have a chance to beating them is UNC. Look for that game to decide the ACC Coastal Division."
Well, we've arrived at said game. Though it cannot actually decide who represents the Coastal Division in the ACC Championship, it goes a long way in doing so. Should Virginia Tech win, the spot is as good as theirs. However, should the Tar Heels emerge victorious, while the Hokies will still control their own destiny, the game the following week at Miami becomes monumental.
Anyway, as these are the only two teams I've actually watched kickoff to final whistle 4+ times (Saturdays are rather hectic when working CFB games), I'm fairly familiar with them. Here's some thoughts off the top of my head:
- Who protects the ball better? Tyrod and T.J. have both been praised as wiser quarterbacks in their old age, and deservingly so. Both secondary's, though suspect to giving up a big play or three, have capitalized on crucial interceptions. For the Hokies, picking off Russell Wilson three times and picking off the two GT quarterbacks saved them.
- Who will run the ball for the Heels? After all that team's endured this season, you wouldn't doubt they could shrug off the season-ending injury to tailback Johnny White. But with Shaun Draughn questionable and Ryan Houston leaning toward redshirting, it may come down to Anthony Elzy and walk-on Hunter Furr. Though Furr showed promise in three carries against FSU, it's hard to imagine those two will keep Tech defenders up at night.
- Losing David Wilson to injury hurts the Hokies. The young man is absolutely electric, and his game-changing kickoff returns against, again, NC State and Georgia Tech, are maybe the biggest reason they're still undefeated in league play. Of course, we know nobody in the state of North Carolina has any sympathy for folks from Blacksburg. It's a testament to the job Butch Davis has done there that they're still in the hunt (Yes, I know. The legitimacy of the job he's done there is a discussion for another day).
- The crowd noise, which certainly played a role in the game at Virginia Tech last season, will assuredly not be a factor this time around. Though they ended up winning, UNC struggled with the environment of Worsham Field and saw linemen jumping offsides left and right in the first half. As a proud Carolina alum, there's one thing I suspect I'll never be completely behind, and that's crowd energy/involvement. The 3:30 start helps, as opposed to a noon one, but still, the point remains.
- What's the visitors sideline like/where's the visitors post-game press conference at? Yes, I know, none of you happening to read this care. But I'm pretty excited to make my return to Kenan Stadium, albeit covering the visiting team this time around. And trust me, no bias. Having talked to a lot of players from both teams, I can tell you they're two VERY likable groups. I couldn't pick one over the other. Tip of the cap to both Frank Beamer and Butch Davis.
Before I leave...the pick: Virginia Tech 34 - North Carolina 24. As happy as I am for T.J. Yates, I think Jayron Hosley and Rashad Carmichael get him in the 4th quarter to seal the deal.
Again, get on board the Hokie express to the ACC Championship.
