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The Wolfpacker Show: NC State vs. Virginia Tech preview

On3 imageby:Ethan McDowell•11/16/23•

ethanmmcdowell

Dave Doeren
Nov 4, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren (center) lead his team onto the field prior to a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

NC State can keep a 10-win season on the table with a win this weekend. The Wolfpack, standing 7-3 on the year, plays on the road this weekend against Virginia Tech.

During his press conferences this week, head coach Dave Doeren acknowledged the similarities between the two programs and even said he took inspiration from former Hokies head coach Frank Beamer’s special teams innovation early in his career.

This is going to be a matchup between two programs that pride themselves on defense and toughness, and they are set to play in front of a sold-out crowd. Virginia Tech is hosting NC State for its senior day, the Wolfpack’s second-consecutive senior day as a visitor.

In the days leading up to the ACC showdown, The Wolfpacker Show taped a new episode to preview the matchup and make a few predictions.

During this episode, Ethan McDowell and Noah Fleischman discussed:

*** Their initial thoughts on the matchup with Virginia Tech. Each host highlighted Hokies to watch on both sides of the ball, pointing out an impressive pass rush that could cause problems for NC State’s offense.

*** Noah and Ethan also discussed Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones, explaining how his playing style is similar to Wolfpack signal-caller Brennan Armstrong. For that reason, quarterback contain will have to be a top priority for NC State’s defense. Drones lowers his shoulder at the end of nearly every run, just like Armstrong, so this will likely be a physical game.

*** Containing the Virginia Tech quarterback is Noah’s key to the game. Drones has logged 3 games with 20 or more carries this season.

*** A solid performance from NC State’s rushing attack is Ethan’s key to the game. The hosts detailed Virginia Tech’s struggles defending running backs at times and pointed out a committee approach that could bring the Wolfpack some offensive success Saturday.

*** After a quick break, Noah and Ethan picked both the spread, which projects NC State as a slight underdog, and the over/under. Then, they shared their final score predictions, agreeing on the outcome for the contest.

*** The hosts also picked one player to lead the Pack in rushing, receiving and tackling against Virginia Tech. To wrap up the show, they each made one bold prediction.

All of those topics and more are discussed on Thursday’s show, which is available in audio and video on TheWolfpacker.com’s YouTube channel.

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