NC State football scouting report: Virginia Tech

By Ethan McDowell

NC State and Virginia Tech will face off in a matchup between two of the ACC’s hottest teams Saturday afternoon. The Wolfpack (7-3), winners of three-consecutive games, will be on the road to play the Hokies (5-5), who won three of their past four contests.

Both schools enter the matchup 4-2 in the ACC, boasting impressive defensive units. NC State leads the league in interceptions, and Virginia Tech allows the fewest passing yards per game in the conference at 161.2.

Here is a breakdown of how the Hokies will challenge the Pack this weekend.

5 Virginia Tech players to watch

1) Defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.

Powell-Ryland ranks second in the ACC with 9 sacks so far this year. The Florida transfer has provided a consistent pass-rushing presence on the edge of Virginia Tech’s defense. His 86.5 Pro Football Focus (PFF) pass rushing grades leads his team. In addition to his sack totals, the 6-3 junior has recorded 37 quarterback pressures.

2) Quarterback Kyron Drones

Standing 6-2, 234 pounds, Drones presents a unique challenge to the Wolfpack defense. Of the quarterbacks NC State has competed against this year, the Baylor transfer is most similar in play style to Brennan Armstrong. Drones is a tough runner who lowers his shoulder on pretty much every run.

He took over the starting job after two games and has racked up 1,524 passing yards, 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. On the ground, he is a game-changer with 541 yards and 4 more scores. The signal-caller ran for 135 yards last week during Virginia Tech’s win over Boston College.

3) Cornerback Dorian Strong

Strong is one of the ACC’s top cornerbacks. The 6-0 redshirt junior is coming off of a 2-interception game against the Eagles. He has allowed just 7 receptions on 24 targets this season, recording 3 picks and 5 pass breakups. Over the Hokies’ 10 games, he has not allowed a reception longer than 18 yards, per PFF.

4) Wide receiver Da’Quan Felton

Felton is a tall, physical wide receiver who will provide another intriguing matchup for NC State star cornerbacks Aydan White and Shyheim Battle. The 6-5 redshirt senior averages 16 yards per catch, scoring 4 touchdowns and racking up 447 yards. His average depth of target is 18 yards, and he is definitely the Hokies’ No. 1 deep threat at wide receiver.

5) Running back Bhayshul Tuten

When the defense starts to focus on Drones’ rushing ability, Tuten takes advantage. The physical, former North Carolina A&T running back leads the team with 613 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Virginia Tech likes to get him in space through the passing game. He ranks third on the team with 24 receptions, totaling 218 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Tuten turns the corner very quickly and is hard to catch from there. Linebacker Jaylon Scott is going to have a ton of responsibility when it comes to containing the read option between the running back and Drones.

3 keys to the game

1) Establish success on the ground

Containing explosive running backs has definitely been Virginia Tech’s biggest weakness this year. During a loss to Marshall earlier this year, Thundering Herd running back Rasheen Ali ran for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Hokies rank No. 10 in the ACC with 156.0 rushing yards allowed per game. NC State’s ground attack checks in at 144.3 yards per game and No. 11 in the ACC.

2) Eye discipline

Virginia Tech uses pretty constant motion and a lot of play action to throw off opposing defenses. NC State’s defense will need to remain glued to its assignments Saturday because the Hokies will deploy run fakes with Drones, some fake pitches to the running backs and plenty of misdirection to try and generate explosive plays.

3) Win the return battle

At 17.1 yards per runback, Virginia Tech wide receiver Tucker Holloway is the ACC’s leading punt returner. NC State wide receiver Jalen Coit ranks second in the conference at 12.3 yards per attempt. The Hokies and Wolfpack have each returned a kickoff for a touchdown this fall as well. In a potentially low-scoring matchup, the field position battle will be critical to the final result.

2 important numbers for NC State vs. Virginia Tech

22— Virginia Tech’s sacks allowed, which ranks No. 11 in the ACC.

31— Sacks by the Hokies’ pass rush this fall, which edges out NC State (30) for second place in the ACC.