BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football is set to host NC State for its final home game of the season at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
Following a dominant victory on the road over Boston College, head coach Brent Pry and company are one victory away from reaching the six-win mark. With a win over the Wolfpack, the Hokies would be eligible for their first bowl game in the Pry era.
How to Follow
TV: The game will be televised on ACC Network with Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Mark Herzlich (analyst) and Sherree Burruss (sideline) on the call.
Radio: The Virginia Tech Sports Network, including its flagship station 105.3 FM "The Bear" in Blacksburg, will carry the contest over the airwaves. Bill Roth will handle play-by-play duties while Mike Burnop provides color commentary and Zach Mackey reports from the sideline.
Streaming: Catch the game online at ESPN.com and in the ESPN mobile app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch or in the HokieSports mobile app.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesFB), Instagram (@hokiesfb) and Facebook (@VirginiaTechFB).
Two Things to Know
Senior Day
As the Hokies prepare to wrap up their final home game of the season, Saturday will be the final time some players will play in Lane Stadium. Players that suit up in maroon and orange for the last time in Blacksburg will be recognized pregame. Seniors will be honored alongside their loved ones starting at 3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to help cheer on the student-athletes for their effort and dedication.
Bowl Game Benchmark
Tech has placed itself in a prime position for bowl game eligibility. One more victory will cement the first bowl game since 2021 and Brent Pry's first as head coach. The Hokies will have two chances to reach the required benchmark, and Saturday's matchup against NC State presents the first opportunity. Tech is currently undefeated at home against conference opponents and has won each contest by a margin of at least 17 points.
Players to Watch
Wide Receiver Jaylin Lane: In his first season as a Hokie, Jaylin Lane has garnered quite a name for himself in Blacksburg. The Middle Tennessee State transfer has scored five of his six touchdowns on Worsham Field. Lane recorded his first 100 receiving yards and two touchdown performance of his career against Wake Forest. He then followed it up by matching his season-high in receptions (6) for 75 yards in the next outing against Syracuse. Lane has amassed 458 yards on 33 catches so far in 2023.
Defensive Lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland: Tech's defensive front is a very disruptive group once they get going. One player who helps lead that charge is Florida transfer Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Commonly referred to as APR, the junior defensive end has been a terror off the edge, especially at Lane Stadium. He currently has nine sacks on the year and six over the last two home games. Against the Demon Deacons, the Portsmouth, Virginia native recorded four sacks and a forced fumble. APR's performance earned him ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in Tech's 17-point victory.
Running Back Malachi Thomas: A redshirt sophomore playing in Tech's dynamic backfield, Malachi Thomas continues to make an impact when called upon. Against Boston College, the 6-foot, 207-pound tailback recorded his first rushing touchdown of the year, running 35 yards untouched to the endzone. In his last home game, he proved to be a versatile playmaker, tossing a 16-yard touchdown on a trick play and averaging nearly seven yards per carry. Thomas finished with 87 rushing yards and a reception against Syracuse.