The Virginia Tech Hokies travel to Raleigh to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack in Week 5 of the 2025 college football season. This game will take place at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on the CW network. Virginia Tech enters the game with a 1-3 record this season, with their lone victory coming against Wofford. Despite playing all their games at home thus far, the Hokies have yet to secure a road victory. They look to change that narrative against a conference opponent. On the other side, the North Carolina State Wolfpack holds a 3-1 record, including an undefeated mark at home. After falling to Duke in their last outing, the Wolfpack will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans. With a 2-1 conference record, they aim to maintain momentum within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
North Carolina State vs Virginia Tech At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Location: Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC
- TV Broadcast: CW
- North Carolina State Record: 3-1 overall, 2-1 in conference
- Virginia Tech Record: 1-3 overall, 0-0 in conference
- Game Odds: North Carolina State favored at -10.5 (-110) spread, -396 moneyline
North Carolina State Wolfpack Set to Host Virginia Tech in Anticipated Showdown
Offensive Strengths
The North Carolina State Wolfpack’s offensive unit has been notably effective, ranking 25th in passing yards with 1,083 in the 2025 season. CJ Bailey, their standout quarterback, leads the pack with impressive statistics. The team’s ability to secure first downs, ranking 18th, showcases their efficiency in moving the chains.
Hollywood Smothers, the leading rusher, contributes significantly with 503 rushing yards, ranking him 5th nationally. This dynamic rushing attack complements their passing game, creating a balanced offensive approach. The Wolfpack’s offensive versatility poses challenges for opposing defenses.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, the Wolfpack stands strong with their interception capabilities, ranking 4th with three interceptions in the 2025 season. Their sack total of five ranks 13th, highlighting their ability to pressure quarterbacks effectively. However, with 117 points against, the defense shows room for tightening up against high-powered offenses.
Despite challenges, North Carolina State’s defense remains opportunistic, capitalizing on turnovers and creating key stops. Their resilience in high-pressure situations can be a difference-maker in close games.
Recent Performances
In recent games, North Carolina State displayed mixed results, starting the season with three consecutive wins. Their victory over Wake Forest, 34-24, underscored their offensive prowess, while the win against Virginia highlighted their rushing attack. However, their recent 45-33 loss to Duke exposed vulnerabilities on defense.
In that game against Duke, North Carolina State outperformed in passing yards with 364, but turnovers proved costly with three interceptions. Addressing these issues will be crucial as they prepare for their next challenge.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 25-4 in the last 29 games (86.2%).
- O/U – Away Games: 7-0 in the last 7 games (100.0%).
- SU – Home Games: 23-7 in the last 30 games (76.7%).
- SU – After Loss: 14-3 in the last 17 games (82.4%).
- O/U – As Underdog: 8-1 in the last 9 games (88.9%).
Injury Concerns
The Wolfpack faces several injury concerns that could impact their lineup. Key players such as Isaiah Crowell and Wesley Grimes are listed as questionable, potentially affecting both their defensive backfield and receiving corps. Monitoring these injuries will be vital for North Carolina State as they approach their next game.
Depth will be tested, and contributions from bench players may become crucial. How the team adjusts to these injuries could significantly influence their upcoming performances.
Virginia Tech Hokies Set to Battle on the Road Against North Carolina State Wolfpack
Offensive Overview
The Virginia Tech Hokies have put up a decent offensive performance this season, ranking 56th with 95 points scored. The team has achieved 916 passing yards and ranks 56th in this category. However, their rushing yards tally stands at 561, positioning them 78th.
Last season, the Hokies accumulated 366 points, ranking 49th. Their rushing game was more effective last year, with 2,328 yards, ranking 43rd. This suggests potential for improvement in their current rushing strategy.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Hokies have shown strength with 8 sacks, ranking them 10th in the league. Their ability to intercept the ball has been impressive as well, with 4 interceptions, ranking 5th. Fumble recoveries also show solid performance, with 2 recoveries, placing them 4th.
Despite these strengths, they have allowed 119 points this season, ranking 86th. Last season, they permitted 297 points, ranking 81st, indicating a need to tighten their defense further.
Quarterback Performance
Kyron Drones has been the standout quarterback for the Hokies, playing 4 games and achieving 928 passing yards. He ranks 40th in this category, showcasing his ability to lead the offensive charge. Drones has also contributed 6 passing touchdowns, ranking 45th.
However, he has thrown 3 interceptions, ranking 176th, highlighting an area for potential improvement in decision-making under pressure. His overall contribution has earned him 93.5 fantasy points, ranking 21st.
Rushing and Receiving Dynamics
Marcellous Hawkins leads the rushing efforts with 187 yards, ranking 137th, though he is yet to score a rushing touchdown. This indicates a need for more explosive plays from the running backs.
In the receiving department, Donavon Greene has emerged as a key player with 203 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. He ranks 131st in receiving yards, demonstrating his importance in the passing game.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U – Totals ≤ 42: Last 5 Games (2022–2023) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 8 Games (2023–2024) → 7-1 (87.5%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 17 Games (2023–2025) → 13-4 (76.5%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 24 Games (2023–2025) → 16-8 (66.7%)
- O/U – After Win: Last 11 Games (2023–2025) → 8-3 (72.7%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 23 Games (2022–2025) → 14-9 (60.9%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 29 Games (2020–2025) → 16-13 (55.2%)
North Carolina State vs Virginia Tech Prediction: North Carolina State -10.5
North Carolina State is a solid 10.5-point favorite coming into this game against the Virginia Tech Hokies. They have demonstrated a strong record at home with a 2-0 performance this season, complementing their overall 3-1 record. The Wolfpack’s offense is ranked higher in both passing and rushing yards, making them a formidable opponent for the Hokies’ defense.
Virginia Tech, meanwhile, has struggled this season with a 1-3 record and no road games played thus far. Their defense, while ranked relatively well in sacks and interceptions, has still conceded 119 points, ranking them 86th in points against. This might not be enough to contain a Wolfpack offense that has scored 126 points and ranks 34th in the nation.
North Carolina State has a strong record when favored, boasting a 25-4 straight-up performance over the past several seasons. Additionally, their ability to bounce back after a loss has been proven, with a 14-3 record following defeats in recent years. These factors, combined with their superior offensive statistics, suggest they can cover the spread against Virginia Tech.
Taking these elements into account, North Carolina State is favored to win and cover the spread comfortably in this home game. The projected score reflects their offensive strengths and home-field advantage.
- North Carolina State vs Virginia Tech Prediction: North Carolina State -10.5
- North Carolina State vs Virginia Tech Score: North Carolina State 38 – Virginia Tech 21
