Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina Prediction, Game Preview

The East Carolina Pirates will try to capture a fifth straight win over an ACC opponent when they host the Virginia Tech Hokies this Saturday. Can the Pirates remain giant-killers? We take a look below in the Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: ESPN2

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Why You Need To Care

When Virginia Tech arrives in Greenville this weekend, East Carolina will be looking for its fifth win in a row over an ACC opponent. But this is not the same Pirate team that was so dangerous in recent years. This Pirate team is rebuilding and coming off consecutive losses, the latest by 24 points to Navy. The Hokies, on the other hand, have regrouped from its opening day loss to Ohio State by blowing out Furman and Purdue. This is Tech’s final non-conference game before league play starts.

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

East Carolina has lost its offensive balance. While the Pirates are winging the ball around the field with QB Blake Kemp, the ground game is averaging just 3.4 yards a carry. And a predictable, one-note attack won’t work against the Hokie D. Tech will tee off on Kemp with linemen Dadi Nicolas, Ken Ekanem and Luther Maddy if it becomes too obvious that a pass is being called.

Why East Carolina Will Win

The Pirates always struggle to stop the option. However, Va Tech isn’t Navy. In fact, a veteran ECU defense that played pretty well in the first two games could tie up the Hokies. Tech is still employing a backup quarterback, Brenden Motley, and a middling O-line, and a true feature back has yet to emerge.

Player Who Matters

In the battle of the backups, can Motley outplay Kemp, if needed? Kemp has been prolific, throwing for at least 325 yards and three scores in each of the last two games. But Motley leaned forward last week in West Lafayette. And he’s becoming more comfortable with his two best targets, WR Isaiah Ford and TE Bucky Hodges.

What’s Going To Happen?

East Carolina has had the ACC’s number, including Virginia Tech, lately. But this is a different Pirate team, particularly on offense. Yeah, Kemp with pile up some numbers, finding receivers Isaiah Jones and Bryce Williams. He’ll also turn the ball over when throwing into the teeth of the Hokie D, providing Motley and the offense with short-field opportunities for points.