Hokie ClubThe "Black Diamond" series makes its return to Lane Stadium for the first time in 18 years. The Hokies, who are 2-1 on the season, look to extend their two-game winning streak on Thursday night. Below are some storylines fans should keep an eye out for during Tech's primetime game against West Virginia at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Defense Continues to Shine
The Lunch Pail defense continues to impress this season. The defensive unit held Wofford to just 38 rushing yards and 199 total yards of offense. Chris Marve's defense has yet to allow a point in the first quarter this season, which has resulted in the Hokies being ranked in the top-five nationally in four main defensive categories, including third in third-down conversions (17.1%), third in rushing defense (42 ypg), fourth in yards per play (3.51) and fifth in yards allowed per game (202). West Virginia will put Tech up to the test, as it ranks second in the Big 12 and 13th in FBS in total offense (511 ypg), as well as third in the Big 12 and 13th in the FBS in first downs (82).
The Black Diamond Series Makes Its Return
Thursday night will mark the return of the "Black Diamond" series to Blacksburg in almost 18 years. The last time the series was played in Lane Stadium was on Oct. 2, 2004., when the Hokies beat the Mountaineers by a score of 19-13. For a deeper look into the history of the two programs, check out this week's Series Snapshot. With no plans for games in the future, the team who wins Thursday night will be proud owners of the Black Diamond Trophy for the foreseeable future.
Grant Wells to Build on His Momentum
Wells came out of the gates slinging against Wofford, completing the most passes in the first quarter in school history (12). He continued to impress, finishing the day 26-of-35 passing (74.3%), 314 yards and two passing touchdowns, his best performance for the Hokies so far. He will look to build on his performance, as he will be facing a West Virginia defense that ranks last in the Big 12 in passing efficiency (144.34) and red zone defense (90%).
Players turned Coaches
Pry's coaching staff is made up of many former Tech players, with the likes of assistant head coach J.C. Price, safeties coach Pierson Prioleau, senior analyst Xavier Adibi and strength coach Jarrett Ferguson all having played West Virginia during their time. Price was a defensive lineman from 1992-95 and amassed 29 tackles, nine hurries and two sacks in his four games against West Virginia. In Prioleau's four games from 1995-98, the former defensive back had 29 total tackles, two pass breakups and two passes defended. Adibi, a standout linebacker from 2004-07, played the Mountaineers once in his career (2005) and racked up 10 tackles (4 solo) and a sack. Ferguson played running back for the Hokies from 1998-01 and in his four games against West Virginia, he had 61 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. The Hokies will hope that the experience on the coaching staff will bring the Black Diamond Trophy back to Blacksburg.