MATT GENTRY The Roanoke Times

Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Tayor threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns last week.

OFFENSE: EDGE WOLFPACK

This side of the ball hasn't been State's problem. The Wolfpack ranks third in the ACC in scoring (32.6 ppg), pass offense (277.1 ypg) and total offense (413.2). After losing 7-3 to South Carolina in the season opener, State has produced 20 points or more in each of its past 10 games. QB Russell Wilson of Richmond has thrown 43 TD passes, with only 11 interceptions, in his first two years at the helm. State has dangerous receivers, plus can move the ball on the ground with TB Toney Baker. Line play has been the one weak link for the visitors.

DEFENSE: EDGE HOKIES

A biggie-sized advantage for VT here. State ranks 99th in the nation in point allowed (30.9 ppg), and hasn't held an opponent to less than 30 points since its first three games, when it faced two I-AA foes. The 'Pack has been shredded for 250 points (41.7 per game) in six league contests. LB Nate Irving, one of the ACC's best, was lost for the season in a preseason car crash, and State has been ravaged by injuries and lack of experience. DE Willie Young (11 TFL, 7 sacks) can give VT problems off the edge.

SPECIAL TEAMS: EDGE HOKIES

State has a capable PK in Josh Czajkowski (9-for-11 on FGAs), but 3-pointers don't figure to mean much today. The Wolfpack has been awful on KO coverage, ranking last in the ACC. VT's Dyrell Roberts and/or David Wilson could break a long one or two today. Teams have been kicking away from Roberts, whose 38.6-yard average would lead the nation if he had the minimum 1.5 attempts per game. VT roomies -- PK Matt Waldron and P Brent Bowden -- top the ACC in their respective leg chores.

INTANGIBLES: EDGE HOKIES

State won 17-16 in its only other ACC trip to Lane Stadium in 2004, when Brandon Pace's 43-yard FGA sailed wide right as time expired. While the 47 meetings between the two schools have featured 29 games in which the final margin was seven points or less, the Hokies have all the goods this time and should roll like the 21-point chalk that the oddsmakers have prescribed. Two of State's six wins have come against I-AA opponents. That said, State did hand a 9-1 Pittsburgh club its only loss. Still, it's hard to see VT losing on Senior Day.

PREDICTION: VIRGINIA TECH 45, N.C. STATE 17