Wake Forest @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 18, 2006 ) Virginia Tech 27, Wake Forest 6

If it were theater, it would be considered a strong second act.

Given up for dead after a disastrous 0-2 start to the season, Virginia Tech again ranks as among the ACC’s best, as it rides a four-game winning streak into Saturday’s homecoming date with visiting Wake Forest.

A few tactical offensive adjustments and better execution overall in the running game have been the catalysts behind the Hokies’ dramatic change of fortunes.

The recent decision by head coach Frank Beamer and offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring to employ four-wide receiver sets to open the last two weeks has reaped immediate dividends and some much-needed stability. Last week’s 45-21 victory over Central Michigan marked the first time this season Virginia Tech has started the same 22 offensive and defensive starters for consecutive weeks.

The cumulative result of it all has become apparent as the Hokies have accounted for seven scoring plays of at least 50 yards or better over the last four games and scored more than 40 points in three of their last four contests.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been the individual most responsible for making things happen, leading his team in both passing (74 of 122 for 1,030 yards and nine touchdowns with three interceptions) and rushing (72 carries for 449 yards and two touchdowns) en route to becoming the winningest quarterback in Virginia Tech history. Taylor’s 127-yard, two-touchdown effort last week marked the sixth time in his career he had surpassed the 100-yard rushing plateau.

Wake Forest has now dropped four consecutive games after last week’s tough 28-27 loss to Navy in which the Midshipmen scored the game-winning touchdown with 26 seconds remaining. Freshman quarterback Tanner Price was one of the few bright spots for the Demon Deacons after completing 37 of 53 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score to account for all of his team’s touchdowns on the day.

Wide receiver Devin Brown was his primary target, hauling in a season-high 10 catches for 59 yards to extend his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 18. The junior is four catches shy of 100 for his career and 22 yards shy of 1,000.

Wake’s lack of depth and much-needed size up front on both sides of the ball has become apparent in the team’s losses. Facing a decidedly larger and more physical Hokies team won’t help things.

This will be the Demon Deacons’ first trip to Lane Stadium since 1983.