This is a 10* play on Virginia Tech.

NC State is coming off a woeful 24-9 loss to at Syracuse, a setback which will likely make it impossible to compete for the conference title.

I think Virginia Tech can sneak in under the radar here and keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the large spread that it's being afforded.

THe Hokies enter having lost four straight. In their last game they lost 20-14 to Miami. Last weekend though they had their bye week, so they come in more prepared for this game than at any point in the season. That's definitely working in ours and their favor here on Thursday night.

The Hokies' defense hasn't been terrible either, allowing 25 PPG, ranked 62nd. The Hokies have struggled offensively, averaging only 19 PPG, as quarterback Grant Wells has seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. But I think this offense will have its chances coming out of the bye week: "There's enough evidence there that we can do some things to score some points. We just have to put it all together,” head coach Brent Pry after his team scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter vs. Miami.

As mentioned above, last week's loss "stings" here for the Wolfpack, who had ACC Atlantic Division hopes likely dashed. I think a letdown mentally is imminent here vs. this inferior opponent.

NC State is still playing without starter Devin Leary. It really showed last week.

I look for the Wolfpack to go up early, and then take the foot off the gas in the second half.

The play is VIRGINIA TECH.

Good luck, NP