VT vs NCSU Game Recap

FINAL SCORE: VT - 28 NCSU - 13

This game was a watershed moment. More than any game the Hokies have faced in the last four years, this one mattered the most. The idea of a loss, at home, during a nationally televised game is not something the program would have weathered well. Beyond that, if VT could not defeat the Wolfpack what hope would they have against the likes of Miami or Duke or Boston College? This, more than any in the last three years, was a must win game for the Hokies. After a short weather delay the Hokies and the Wolfpack took the field.

Things did not start off well for Virginia Tech. In the first two Hokie offensive series their play was reminiscent of the same that showed up during the Pitt game. Two incidences of four and out, a total of seven offensive yards where all Virginia Tech had to show for their first two drives and multiple incidents of third and forever did little to engender confidence in the Hokie faithful. In the second quarter the Wolfpack found themselves ahead of VPI 10-0. And then, something happened. A flash. Hokie stars making next level plays and for the remainder of the first half the Hokies were able to move the ball against NCSU while halting their offense to the tune of 21 unanswered points. Although the Hokies found themselves down after a slow start they finished the first half ahead 21-10. Isiah Ford was able to score all three of those Hokie TDs in the first half.

The start of the second half started off strong with Virginia Tech able to halt the Wolfpack offense, but unable to capitalize on their ensuing possession. Neither team was able to do much, and VT’s QB Motley was visibly limping during the third quarter, but remained in the game during the third quarter. NC State was able to drive into the Hokie’s red zone, but in the end was stopped before the Wolfpack earned another FG to make the game 21-13. Late in the third quarter, Motley was injured and Lawson was put into the game. The third quarter ended with the aforementioned score 21-13 Hokies.

NC State opened the fourth quarter with a solid drive into VT territory, but they were unable to maintain and the Hokies took over on their 25 after a touch back punt. Motley continued to demonstrate limitations by limping off the field after the Hokies went four and out with just over ten minutes left in the game. NC State was stuffed and went four and out. The Hokies offense took over deep in their territory after the Wolfpack punt. Midway through the fourth quarter it seemed that the Hokies were sputtering until Travon McMillian ripped off a 59 yard TD run to put the Hokies up 28-13 mid way through the fourth quarter.

The Hokie punished NCSU QB, Brissett, and the Wolfpack found themselves at third and six with less than five minutes to play. Facyson had two beautiful defenses to keep NC State out of the end zone on both third and fourth down. The Hokies took over on downs and began the goal of running the clock out with just over four minutes left. The Hokies attempted a fake FG that did not pan out, but on the next drive Adonis Alexander was able to end the NC State QB’s streak of no interceptions. The Hokies entered the victory formation and defeated the Wolfpack 28-13.