Virginia Tech Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2020
By James Bowers
Week 6: Virginia Tech football at North Carolina (Oct. 10)
The 2019 season saw Mack Brown triumphantly return to Chapel Hill after taking some time out of the coaching profession following the end of his tenure at Texas. The comeback season was one of both promise and pain, as the Tar Heels found the ability to put the likes of Clemson and Virginia Tech against the ropes but were not able to close the deal in either game.
A loss to Appalachian State also stuck in the craw of the UNC faithful.
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Still, the Heels enjoyed the breakout performances of true freshman quarterback Sam Howell and running back Michael Carter as North Carolina rallied late to become bowl eligible. North Carolina made the season a winning one when they bested Temple in the Military Bowl.
Both Howell and Carter will be back for the heels in 2020, along with a combined 17 starters on both sides of the ball. Veterans such as tight end Beau Corralles and linebacker Chazz Surratt will come back to the Kenan Memorial Stadium sidelines alongside members of a national top-20 recruiting class.
Virginia Tech and North Carolina played a marathon six-OT contest last year. What became the longest game in ACC history saw the Tar Heels and Hokies repeatedly fail to ice the game after trading scores for hours.
Hendon Hooker actually went down with an injury in the second quarter, and backup Ryan Willis did not impress in a trio of series, forcing Justin Fuente to try third-stringer Qunicy Patterson, who would amass 122 yards rushing and wind up with the game winning score in overtime No. 6, giving Virginia Tech a 43-41 victory.
The Tar Heel defense will have the dual advantage of both added experience and a home field in 2020. Injury notwithstanding, Hooker was not majorly effective against NC last year. He will also not have Deshawn McCleese to hand off to.
Early speculators are giving this game to North Carolina, on the strength of their bolstered lineup and Sam Howell’s impressive leadership. If Hooker can open the passing game or, if Patterson is given an opportunity to replicate his heroics, Virginia Tech can get one on the road.
Prediction: North Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 24 (4-2, 1-1)