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North Carolina vs Virginia Tech: Preview, prediction, live stream in Week 8

By Connor Muldowney

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 07: Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 07: Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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Saturday afternoon’s North Carolina vs Virginia Tech game won’t be one of the best games, on paper, but it could be a Week 8 surprise.

Virginia Tech has gotten off to a strong start to its 2017 season. The Hokies are 5-1 and ranked No. 14 in the country, but they do have a home loss already this season to Clemson. Justin Fuente’s team is looking to bounce back and contend for a conference title now that the Tigers have a loss to their name as well.

Freshman quarterback Josh Jackson has been a revelation. He has passed for 1,700 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions with a 65 percent completion rate. He’s also rushed for over 150 yards and a touchdown. With him leading the way and Cam Phillips, a potential All-ACC receiver, catching passes, this offense has been scary.

For North Carolina, it’s been a nightmarish season. The Tar Heels have been looking for answers all season long as to why they’re just 1-6 to begin the year, but a lot of it might have to do with the departure of Mitch Trubisky and also lack of an adequate defense. In fact, the Tar Heels allow about 461 yards per game which is good for 114th in the country.

The offense hasn’t been much better, averaging just 356 yards per contest. Larry Fedora’s team can’t seem to keep opposing offenses off the field and also can’t seem to piece together solid drives behind freshman quarterback Chazz Surratt. The young gunslinger has a bright future, though.

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s North Carolina vs Virginia Tech game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Venue: Lane Stadium
TV: ESPN 2
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Virginia Tech needs to get pressure on Surratt in the pocket. Force him into some poor throws and make him feel the defensive line breathing down his neck. He will make mistakes given the ramped up pressure. Offensively, it’s easy. Jackson needs to continue to do what he’s been doing and take advantage of North Carolina’s struggling secondary. Feed Travon McMillan in the run game as well since the Tar Heels allow over 200 rushing yards per game.

North Carolina is going to need a prayer to win this one. I kid, but in all honestly, the Tar Heels might be in trouble if that defense doesn’t wake up. If they’re going to have a chance on Saturday afternoon, Surratt needs to protect the ball and the defense needs to hold Jackson under 250 passing yards. Winning the turnover battle is key, but also not letting one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks go off will be crucial.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 7

Prediction

Josh Jackson is going to have another big day and he will surpass the 2,000-yard passing mark for the season during this one. He’s going to throw for 325 yards and three touchdowns while hitting Cam Phillips six times for 108 yards and a score. North Carolina will struggle offensively until the second half when Chazz Surratt leads a couple of late touchdown drives to make the score look more respectable. Virginia Tech wins easy.

Final Score: North Carolina 21, Virginia Tech 37

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