Friday night at Lane Stadium is going to be a night that Virginia Tech fans have been waiting a long time for. A meaningful game with an undefeated Hokies team against a very good and undefeated opponent, this time in Pittsburgh.
This is the first big test for James Franklin at Virginia Tech in a game that is one that can be a huge statement win or a loss, where the trolls will come out and remind everyone that he can't win the big game. Here are four bold predictions for Friday night's showdown.
1. Luke Reynolds catches 2-plus touchdown passes
The Hokies' passing game is as good as the Panthers', thanks in large part to a pair of Penn State transfers, QB Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds. They have brought their connection from State College to Blacksburg and it is still strong.
Why do we think Reynolds will get two touchdowns? In the red zone, you have to go to your best players, and Reynolds is a nightmare matchup. Don't expect many big plays down the field for scores, but more so in the red zone, and that's where Reynolds comes in.
2. Jaquez White records an interception
Last weekend at BC, Jaquez White was close to a game-winning pick-six on Eagles QB Mason McKenzie in the fourth quarter near midfield. If he picked the pass, he was gone. He has come close to getting another opportunity, which he will against Pitt, and it just feels like he's due for a big-moment interception.
3. Virginia Tech sacks Mason Heintschel multiple times
A fascinating matchup in this game is going to be Pitt QB Mason Heintschel against Virginia Tech's defense. You know what Narduzzi is going to do; he's going to have him drop back and sling the ball around Lane Stadium. That is going to open him up to being pressured.
Virginia Tech enters the weekend third in the country in sacks with 17, and the defensive line has been stout. Expect Pry to change up coverages, and this will be Heintschel's first road game of the season. All of that could lead to multiple sacks.
4. Pitt and Virginia Tech combine for 70-plus points
Given how both offenses have looked in the first month of the season, this could be and should be a high-scoring affair. It is going to be close throughout and could come down to who has the ball last wins the game. Whoever wins, the scoreboard could get a workout with these two offenses.
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