Arkansas State @ Virginia Tech preview

THE STORY: After grinding out a hard-fought road victory last week, No. 12 Virginia Tech returns home to host Arkansas State. Virginia Tech is 2-0, relying on a strong defensive showing to win 17-10 last week at East Carolina. In earning head coach Frank Beamer 200th career victory at the school, the Hokies held the Pirates to minus-15 yards rushing. Arkansas State gave new coach Hugh Freeze his first victory last week, rolling up 611 yards of total offense (seventh-highest total in school history) in a 47-3 rout of Memphis. Junior quarterback Ryan Aplin completed 19-of-21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns for the Red Devils, who are averaging 31 points. The Hokies are 3-0 alltime against the Red Devils, winning the last meeting 63-7 in 2002.

TV: RSN. LINE: Virginia Tech -24.

ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE (1-1): Aplin is off to a flying start, passing for 564 yards while completing 73.6 percent of his throws. Aplin passed for 2,934 yards last season. Redshirt freshman RB Frankie Jackson finished with 101 yards rushing against the Tigers. But the Red Devils are vulnerable on defense. Against Illinois in the season opener, Arkansas State allowed 473 yards in a 33-15 loss.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (2-0): Virginia Tech recorded five sacks and nine tackles for loss in the victory over East Carolina, continuing a strong defensive start. In the first half of the season-opening 66-13 victory over Appalachian State, the Hokies’ starting defense allowed 61 total yards. QB Logan Thomas struggled mightily last week, completing just 8-of-20 passes for 91 yards with an interception and no touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller earned ACC defensive back player-of-the-week honors after intercepting a pass and recording four tackles against East Carolina.

2. Virginia Tech tailback David Wilson has rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns in two games, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.

3. Arkansas State’s win over Memphis was the school’s largest margin of victory over a FBS opponent since moving to Division I-A in 1992.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 47, Arkansas State 21 – The Hokies have far more talent on both sides of the ball and should pull away for an easy victory.