VT expects same fast-paced UNC Saturday

Hokies prep for Tar Heels

BLACKSBURG, Va. – It's back to business for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Following a bye week, the team is hoping for a strong start to the second half of the season, which begins with UNC on Saturday.

"I fully expect them to be the North Carolina team that's played against us the last couple of years, playing tempo and playing dynamic athletes," said defensive coordinator Bud Foster. 

In the past, North Carolina's tempo has always presented a challenge for the Hokies defensive line, limiting opportunities for them to create a pass rush. Though they have 12 sacks on the season, Tech says they expect the same challenge up front as usual. 

"I feel like it doesn't really faze us, because we go against it every day," said defensive tackle Tim Settle. 

"We practice stuff like that. Coach Foster, that's his big deal is in practicing fast. So we keep that conditioning."

"We're getting some pressure, and I like the way we're playing up front coming along right now," said defensive line coach Charley Wiles.

"I don't know how many sacks we've gotten really, being honest with you, and it really doesn't matter. It's about are we playing within the defense and getting off the field."

The Hokies offense found success in its young receivers such as Sean Savoy and Dalton Keene. Now after a week off, they're hoping to get back in the same groove as before. 

"It's super important because that's one of the hardest things to do is come back from break and get right back in the groove of things and we have a long couple of weeks coming up, tough games. So this is a really important part of the season," Keene said. 

The Tar Heels come into this matchup winless in the ACC, and the Hokies are hoping to go 2-1 in conference play. Kickoff from Lane Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.


About the Author:

Eric is no stranger to the Roanoke Valley. He is a Roanoke native and proud graduate of William Fleming High School.