The Hokies make their first road trip of the season on Friday, November 15th at 7:30 PM as they travel to Baltimore to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Hall of Fame Series.
Following Virginia Tech's 58-52 shaky home win against WInthrop, Mike Young's team will face a Penn State squad looking to continue its early season dominance. So far in the 2024 campaign, former VCU head coach Mike Rhoades' team has beaten its first three opponents Binghamton, UMBC, and St. Francis PA by scores of 108-66, 103-54, and 92-62, respectively.
In preseason media polls earlier this year, the Nittany Lions were projected to finish 17th in the Big 10. In Rhoades' first season at the helm, Penn State finished the 2023-24 season 16-17 (9-11 Big 10).
Penn State will challenge Virginia Tech in ways the Hokies have yet to encounter this season. Judging from the above mentioned results, the Nittany Lions can score in bunches and are led by their Nebraska transfer forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who is currently averaging 15.5 points and shooting 65.2% from the floor. The seven-footer presents plenty of issues for Mike Young's team defensively and will test Mylyjael Poteat's ability to defend the paint.
To mitigate Poteat's size disadvantage, expect the Hokies to potentially double Niederhauser with someone like Tobi Lawal when the ball enters the lane. Pat Wessler may also see more minutes to help shore up the inside and clean up the boards, where Niederhauser also leads Penn State, grabbing nearly eight rebounds a game. Limiting Niederhauser's touches will be key for the Hokies' chances.
Penn State also boasts a talented duo in guards Ace Baldwin Jr. and Puff Jonhson, who are averaging 12.7 and 11.3 points per game, respectively. Baldwin Jr. leads the Nittany Lions in assists per game at six per contest. On the wings, forward Zach Hicks, averages just over 14 points a game. Perimeter defense will be a priority for the Hokies, as the Nittany Lions are shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. In total, through three games, Penn State has five players averaging double-digit points a game, though the three opponents they've played are far less talented than the Hokies. Virginia Tech has looked solid defensively in its first three contests of the year, but will need to step up in Baltimore.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions record 15 steals a game, led by Baldwin Jr. who is averaging 2.7 per contest. Protecting the rim seems to be a priority for the Nittany Lions, as well, as they average six blocks a game, led by Hicks at just under two a game. Virginia Tech will need to be efficient on offense and, most importantly, improve on its shooting numbers from the first three games this season. So far, the Hokies are shooting just 43.7% from the field, including 32% from three.
Virginia Tech has been getting open shots, but hasn't been able to find the bottom of the net at a high rate just yet. This game is a great opportunity to improve their shooting statistics and pressure the Nittany Lions' defensive scheme from beyond the arc. Look for Virginia Tech's Jaden Schutt to continue to be the hot hand from deep, opening up chances for other Hokies on the floor.
Penn State has 10 players averaging double-digit minutes a game, meaning Mike Young will need to continue going to his bench to keep fresh legs on the court. As opposed to the first three games this season, the Hokies will need a complete performance to beat Penn State. Stretches of five or more minutes without points or poor defensive lapses either in the half-court or out in transition like they've displayed at times will likely be taken advantage of by Mike Rhoades' team.
In conclusion, Virginia Tech will need to be ready to compete against a physical and prolific Penn State team for all 40 minutes. We'll learn a lot about the Hokies by the time the final buzzer sounds, and could get a glimpse of what to expect from Virginia Tech in their upcoming ACC schedule.