BLACKSBURG – After four straight non-conference games, Virginia Tech football returns to ACC play as it hosts Pitt for a 3:30 p.m. matchup Saturday. The contest will be televised to a national audience on ESPN2.
The Hokies (3-2, 1-0 ACC) and Panthers (4-1, 1-0 ACC) are the only teams remaining in the ACC Coastal division without a conference defeat. Tech is 2-0 at home against Pitt under head coach Justin Fuente, including a 28-0 victory last time the teams met in Lane Stadium, and is seeking its third straight ACC victory dating back to a 33-15 win over Virginia..
Tech is coming off a 32-29 loss to No. 14 Notre Dame, a game that was decided by an Irish field goal with 17 seconds remaining. Quarterback Braxton Burmeister threw for 184 yards and led the team in rushing with 49 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Tré Turner moved into 10th on Tech’s career receptions list with 116 after recording six receptions for 80 yards in the loss.
Defensive back Jermaine Waller earned College Cornerback of the Week honors Monday after registering his first career interception return touchdown on Saturday. The junior leads the ACC and is tied for the FBS lead with four interceptions on the season, and he joins Iowa’s Riley Moss as the only Power Five players with four interceptions and an interception return touchdown. Defensive back Nasir Peoples led the team with 12 tackles versus the Fighting Irish and recorded his first career interception.
Coming off its bye week, Pitt most recently opened ACC play with a 52-21 win at Georgia Tech. Quarterback Kenny Pickett threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns in the game while wide receivers Taysir Mack (121) and Jordan Addison (117) each racked up over 100 yards receiving and one touchdown. The Panthers lead the nation in scoring, averaging 52.4 points per game.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Saturday, Oct. 16, 3:30 p.m., Lane Stadium, vs. Pitt (4-1, 1-0 ACC).
Pitt head coach: Pat Narduzzi (seventh season); record at Pitt: 46-35; career: 46-35; VT leads series 11-9.
TV broadcast
ESPN2
Play-by-Play: Jason Benetti; Analyst: Andre Ware’ Sideline: Paul Carcaterra.
Local radio
Virginia Tech Sports Network; Play-by-Play: Jon Laaser; Analyst: Mike Burnop; Sideline: Wes McElroy.
VIRGINIA TECH GAME NOTES
Tech has outscored Pitt by a 48-14 margin in the Panthers’ last two visits to Lane Stadium.
The Hokies held on for a 20-14 win (11/18/17) after safety Reggie Floyd made a touchdown-saving tackle of Wide receiver Jester Weah at the one-yard line. An epic, four-play goal line stand by Tech’s defense sealed the victory.
Pitt has converted only 18.5% (5-27) of its third-down tries in its last two trips to Blacksburg.
The Hokies own a +152-yard rushing edge (267-115) in those two games, scoring two ground touchdowns and allowing none.
Tech passers have completed 52.9% (27-51) of their attempts for 371 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in those two contests
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett is anticipated to make his third career start at Lane Stadium. In his two previous appearances at VT, he has completed 51.0% (25-49) of his passes for 345 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while suffering six sacks.
