Last season when Duke took a trip to Blacksburg sitting on five wins, Virginia Tech watched as the Blue Devils jumped out to a 20-0 first quarter lead before surrendering 41 unanswered points.
The No. 16 Hokies understand that should they want to keep Duke from notching a sixth win once again, Saturday's contest at Lane Stadium will not be nearly as easy.
"This is a big Coastal game," Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. "We really have watched the improvement of Duke over the years. Coach Cutcliffe has done a great job in making this program a contender on the coastal side."
Already bowl eligible and riding a six-game winning streak since falling to No. 1 Alabama to open the season, the Hokies (6-1, 3-0 in the ACC) have their sights set on much more than a bowl game after a disappointing 7-6 finish in 2012. Already knowing that Virginia Tech will head to a bowl game for the 21st consecutive season, the Hokies are now setting their sights on a run at the ACC Championship.
Defense has been the key for Virginia Tech, which ranks second in the nation by allowing just 15 points per contest. The Hokie defense has been especially stout against the run this season, allowing just 2.5 yards per carry, which is also good for No. 2 in the country. Virginia Tech's front seven is led by middle linebacker Jack Tyler, who leads the team with 57 tackles and has registered seven tackles for a loss and three sacks on the year.
"We are playing a team that sets the tone physically in the league," Duke head coach David Cutcliffe said. "They have set the tone for quite some time. I think the big challenge is looking forward to testing yourself."
In the secondary, the Hokies are just as good, picking off 13 passes through their first seven games of the season. Cornerback Brandon Facyson leads the way for Virginia Tech with four picks, although the true freshman may miss Saturday's game due to a concussion. But the Hokies may welcome redshirt senior Antone Exum back to the lineup this week. The team's leader in interceptions last season, Exum missed the first half of this season after tearing multiple ligaments in his knee last January and could provide a boost to a Virginia Tech secondary that is already among the tops in the country.
The Hokie defense will be tested when Duke (5-2, 1-2) comes to Blacksburg. Notching 35.7 points per game, the Blue Devils will enter play Saturday as the fifth-leading scoring team in the ACC behind Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Georgia Tech.
"I see an offense that's very explosive, that know what they're doing, got a plan," Beamer said. "They can throw the ball and can run the ball. Those are the most dangerous offenses, in my opinion. One plays off the other."
In the teams' matchup last season, the Blue Devils were not shy about taking deep shots through the air, a trend that has continued this season behind the play of quarterbacks Anthony Boone and Brandon Connette.
"They got us a couple times last year," Beamer said. "The Crowder kid, he made a bunch of catches, one give them their first touchdown. They hit some long ones on us last year. That's, no question, a key part of the game. They have personnel to do it. Boone has a strong, strong arm. They got good personnel catching the ball."
Although Virginia Tech has struggled to score this season—ranking 12th in the ACC at 23.1 points per game—the Hokies have been unafraid to grind out defensive struggles by controlling the tempo. Heading into a hostile environment in Blacksburg this weekend, the Blue Devils are expecting nothing less.
"It's loud, man—I'm not even going to lie, it's one of the loudest stadiums I've played in," Duke defensive end Kenny Anunike said. "But I love playing in front of big crowds. I love beating other teams in their own house in front of their own house. There is nothing greater, so this would be a sweet win."
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