Virginia Tech Takes on Penn State in Big 10-ACC Challenge

No.13 Virginia Tech(5-0) is coming off of an game where they absolutely destroyed St.Francis(PA) 75-37,while Penn State (3-2) is coming off a 56-59 upset loss to Bradley.

How Virginia Tech Can Win:

Penn State had two very bad losses to Depaul and Bradley, in which Penn State allowed Depual to score 70 points. This should be a prime advantage for Virginia Tech to score points at a very high rate. Penn State has also not shot well from the field at all this season, shooting 28% in a loss against Bradley. This makes Virginia Tech’s job a lot easier against the Nittany Lions on defense, as the Hokies have only been giving up 60 points a game so far this season. 

How Penn State Can Win:

One thing Penn State has done extremely well this season in rebounding the ball as the Nittany Lions average 37 rebounds a game compared to Virginia Tech only averaging 31 rebounds a game. If Penn State wants to get one advantage against the Hokies it will be on the boards. If Penn State wants to pull off the upset, a big game from Lamar Stevens would help. As he has been averaging 24 points a game, so far this season.

Players to Watch:

Virginia Tech:  The Hokies are going to need Kerry Blackshear to stay out of foul trouble, as Penn State plays with smaller forwards giving  Blackshear a big advantage in the paint for the Hokies. Kerry having a distinct height advantage will be a crucial weapon in the Hokies offense this game. 

Penn State: Penn State needs a second option besides Lamar Stevens to produce if they want to upset the Hokies. The Nittany Lions need Josh Reaves to step up. Reaves has averaged 11.8 points a game this season, but he’ll need more than that for Penn State to upset a high scoring team like Virginia Tech. 

Writers Predictions: 

Will Cash: Penn State has had some very bad losses this season. So I don’t see them upsetting a team on the caliber of Virginia Tech. Justin Robinson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Ahmed Hill all have big games as the Hokies get an easy win.

Hokies: 80 Nittany Lions: 65

Colin Gilley: On Saturday the Hokies showed they not only can score, but also can play tremendous defense. Virginia Tech held St. Francis to only 37 points and only allowed them to score 15 points in the 2nd half. Penn State doesn’t have the offense to keep up with the Hokies offense or break the Hokies defense. Virginia Tech will add a win for the ACC in this Conference Clash.

Hokies: 86 Nittany Lions: 61

Image via: Virginia Tech Atheltics