(Sports Network) - The 20th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies step out of league
play this Saturday when they host the Kent State Golden Flashes. The Hokies
come into the contest with a good deal of momentum, as they have won three
straight games, including a 17-10 triumph over Miami-Florida last weekend.
With the current run, VaTech has pushed its overall mark to 7-2, which
includes a perfect 3-0 record in non-conference play. Another positive for the
Hokies is that they now return home where they have won 24 straight games
against non-league foes. As for Kent State, it was also in action last
weekend when it suffered an embarrassing 41-14 setback at Buffalo. It was
the second straight loss by the Golden Flashes, who now stand at 5-4 overall
and 3-2 on the road. The all-time series between KSU and VaTech is knotted
at 1-1, but the two schools haven't met since 1976.
The Golden Flashes have had success gaining yards this season (343.9 total
ypg), but those yards haven't translated into many points, as the team is
averaging a modest 21.6 ppg. The team has really excelled with its ground game
and has rushed for 178.2 ypg with 17 touchdowns on the year. Turnovers,
however, has set KSU back at times, as it has committed 20 thus far. Last
weekend, the Flashes turned the ball over five times and gained just 298 total
yards in a lopsided loss to Buffalo. Quarterback Julian Edelman paced the team
in defeat, rushing for 50 yards and two scores, and throwing for 190 yards with
two interceptions. On the year, Edelman hasn't been all that accurate,
completing just 56.1 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns against nine
interceptions, but he has certainly been deadly with his legs, rushing for 582
yards and a team-high seven scores. Tailback Eugene Jarvis is another big
reason for the team's success on the ground, as he leads KSU with 592 rushing
yards behind a 4.9 ypc average. As for the wideouts, Najah Pruden has clearly
been the go-to guy this season, and he leads the team with 32 catches, 657
receiving yards and five scores.
If not for a pair of blowout losses, Kent State would have one of the top
ranked defenses in the nation, as it is currently allowing 20.2 ppg and just
301.6 total ypg. The unit has really thrived against the pass (147.1 ypg), and
has also done a good job in posting 21 turnovers and 27 sacks. Despite forcing
a pair of turnovers last weekend, the Flashes put forth one of their worst
efforts of the year as they allowed 369 total yards, including 176 on the
ground in the loss to Buffalo. Derek Burrell paced the team in defeat with 10
stops and 1.5 TFLs. On the year, Andre Kirkland has been the unit's most
valuable player, as he leads the club with 75 tackles to go along with three
sacks and the same number of interceptions.
Unlike KSU, Virginia Tech has been able to score points (27.2 ppg) consistently
this season, despite averaging only 309.8 total ypg. The offense has scored 18
of its 27 touchdowns on the ground, where it is averaging a modest 123.4 ypg
thus far. Last weekend, the Hokie offense was almost non-existent, as they
gained just 139 total yards in a 17-10 win over Miami. Branden Ore accounted
for 79 of those yards on the ground, and he also scored both of the team's
touchdowns, including the game-winner with less than two minutes to play. It
was no surprise to see Ore carry the offense because he has done so all season
long, and he currently leads the team with 1,018 rushing yards and 13
touchdowns. He has also proven to be a threat in the passing game, catching 14
balls for 203 yards and another touchdown. Getting Ore the ball is the job of
quarterback Sean Glennon, who has completed just 55.3 percent of his throws for
1,558 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. Glennon
had a game he would rather forget last weekend, as he completed a dismal 5-
of-19 pass attempts for 86 yards and an interception.
Defensively, the Hokies possess one of the top units in the nation, as they are
holding their opponents to a mere 11.8 ppg and only 233.6 total ypg. The unit
has fared well against both the run (102.6 ypg) and pass (131.0 ypg), and has
also forced 20 turnovers, including 14 interceptions. Last weekend, VaTech made
up for its lack of offense by goading Miami into three turnovers and holding
the Hurricanes to only 237 total yards. The defense surrendered only 10 first
downs in the win, and allowed Miami to convert just 3-of-13 third down
attempts. Xavier Adibi led the Hokies with a solid all-around effort that
consisted of nine stops, a forced fumble, an interception and a sack. He
currently ranks second on the team in tackles (63) behind Vince Hall, who has
80 stops to his credit.
With their outstanding defense and solid ground game, the Hokies are clearly
the pick here. Virginia Tech also has the advantage playing at home and that
is bad news for a slumping Kent State squad.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Virginia Tech 31, Kent State 9
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