INSIDE SLANT

   Expected to win their third straight Atlantic Coast Conference title and contend for a national championship back in August, the Hokies won’t achieve either goal. The only carrot currently dangling for them is a sixth straight 10-win season.

   But in the last two games, a Virginia Tech squad which figured to have little to play for has cranked out a couple of passionate efforts. Following a 16-3 win at East Carolina, the Hokies hammered hapless Maryland 36-9 last week.

   Now Tech tries for a third straight win Saturday in its home finale against struggling N.C. State, which saw its bowl hopes end against Clemson last week.

   Much like Maryland, the Wolfpack have struggled defensively, although they’ve been hit hard by injuries. They’ve lost half their projected starters to season-ending injuries and have allowed at least 30 points in each of their last seven games. But Tech coach Frank Beamer sees obstacles when many see another big game for the Hokies’ offense.

   “Maryland scored on a kickoff return and an interception,” Beamer said. “Clemson had some short fields against them. I see a young defense that is getting better every week. It’s going to be another tough game.”

   That might be true on defense, where Tech does have to contend with sophomore QB Russell Wilson, a better-throwing, less-mobile version of Tyrod Taylor. Wilson is sure to be motivated as well, since he’s a Richmond product the Hokies didn’t recruit because of Taylor’s presence.

   However, Tech should win if it’s ready to play. And from the way the players sounded after the blowout win at Maryland, focus won’t be an issue.

   “It’s the same game we’ve been playing since we were five years old,” CB Rashad Carmichael said. “That’s what I tell the guys.”                              

NOTES, QUOTES

   —Virginia Tech announced Monday that its 2012 season opener at Cincinnati has been moved from the Bearcats’ Nippert Stadium to FedEx Field in Landover, Md., the Washington Redskins’ 91,665-seat stadium. That should produce a huge crowd, as the Hokies have a large fan and alumni base in the D.C. area.

   —CB Rashad Carmichael was the highest-graded defensive player in the Maryland game. The junior made five tackles, broke up a pair of passes—including one that prevented a third-quarter touchdown—and had one of the team’s six sacks.

   —RB Ryan Williams has been named ACC Rookie of the Week six times. If he wins the award the last two weeks of the season, he can tie former N.C. State QB Philip Rivers, who won the honor eight times in 2000.   

   SERIES HISTORY: Virginia Tech 24-18-4 (last meeting, 2005, 20-16 Virginia Tech).

   SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: After a three-game slump of sorts, the Hokies broke out against a bad Maryland defense, mixing in big plays in the passing game with steady runs and rolling up 36 points. QB Tyrod Taylor enjoyed one of his best games, pushing the ball downfield with deep throws and also running effectively. More of the same should be in store this week against another below-average defense riddled by injuries.    

   SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: While the task was made easier by an injury to the opponent’s starting QB, Tech again kept its opponent out of the end zone. Maryland’s only touchdown was scored by its defense in the fourth quarter. The Hokies were again effective on third down, allowing just 4-of-14 conversions, and tackled well. N.C. State’s offense should offer a tougher challenge as it has one of the league’s better quarterbacks in Russell Wilson.

   QUOTE TO NOTE: “When you tackle him, you can feel his thighs are big like tree trunks.”—Maryland LB Alex Wujciak on Tech freshman RB Ryan Williams, who has rushed for 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns this year.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

   THIS WEEK’S GAME: N.C. State at Virginia Tech, Nov. 21—The Hokies try to keep their hopes for a sixth straight 10-win season alive against a Wolfpack club that can’t qualify for a bowl game. But N.C. State would derive much pleasure from beating a top-20 team like Tech, particularly in a frenzied atmosphere like Lane Stadium.  

   KEYS TO THE GAME: The Hokies did have some problems with the mobility of Maryland QB Jamarr Robinson, who rushed for 129 yards despite being sacked six times. They’ll have to do a better job hemming Wolfpack QB Russell Wilson in the pocket. Offensively, Tech figures to have its way with an N.C. State defense which has allowed at least 30 points in seven straight games. Look for RB Ryan Williams and QB Tyrod Taylor to each enjoy big days.    

   PLAYERS TO WATCH:

DE Jason Worilds—He and fellow end Nekos Brown not only have to get after QB Russell Wilson, but must do it in such a way that Wilson can’t get outside the pocket and do damage. Worilds has been a handful for offensive lines all season.

   RB Ryan Williams—The redshirt freshman needs just 31 yards to break Darren Evans’ year-old school record for most rushing yards by a freshman. N.C. State’s defense isn’t very good, so Williams has the potential to do that—and a whole lot more.  

   LB Cody Grimm—One of nine seniors who will start his final game in Lane Stadium, Grimm has played at an All-ACC level this year, constantly making plays. Look for Grimm to get some blitz opportunities as Tech tries to rattle Wolfpack QB Russell Wilson.

   ROSTER REPORT:

   —C Beau Warren (knee) could miss his third straight game with an injury suffered Oct. 29 against North Carolina. Warren is listed behind redshirt freshman Michael Via on the depth chart but hasn’t been able to go full speed since the injury.

   —LB Cam Martin (knee) saw his first game action in weeks against Maryland, producing a couple of tackles in the fourth quarter of a blowout win. Martin was sharing time with Cody Grimm at the start of the year, but he hadn’t played much lately because of his injury and Grimm’s excellent play.

   —DT John Graves (ankle) saw his most extensive playing time in a month at Maryland despite a sloppy field. Graves is atop the depth chart at his position this week.