North Carolina State @ Virginia preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 27, 2007 ) Virginia 24, North Carolina State 29

THE STORY: Virginia wraps up a four-game homestand when it takes on Atlantic Coast Conference rival North Carolina State. The Cavaliers are coming off a 24-21 upset of No. 12 Georgia Tech, while the Wolfpack have had two weeks to prepare since a 38-24 home victory over Central Michigan on Oct. 8.

TV: ESPNU. LINE: Virginia -5.5

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (3-3, 0-2 ACC): Despite ranking among the national leaders with 18 turnovers forced, the Wolfpack have struggled for much of the year on defense - their 30.17 points allowed per game are tied with Duke for the most in the ACC. Offensively, wide receiver T.J. Graham ranks second nationally in all-purpose yardage (210) and quarterback Mike Glennon has passed for 1,486 yards with 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (4-2, 1-1): The Cavaliers exploded for 274 yards rushing against Georgia Tech, their highest output since a 348-yard effort against Duke in 2004. Running back Perry Jones led the way with 149 yards on 18 carries. Quarterback Michael Rocco, meanwhile, has been erratic, throwing eight interceptions against only three touchdowns. Good starts have been a key for Virginia, which has outscored opponents 47-7 in the first quarter.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Wolfpack lead the all-time series 33-21-1, but Virginia is 15-8 since 1983. The schools have not met since 2007.

2. Virginia boasts an 11-2 mark in the series when winning the turnover battle, but this year's Cavaliers rank 93rd in the FBS in turnover margin (minus-0.5).

3. The home team has won the last six meetings, with Virginia's 47-26 road win in 1999 the only exception over the last 15 years.

PREDICTION: North Carolina State 31, Virginia 27 - The Wolfpack have had problems defensively, but the Cavaliers could be due for a letdown after last week's big win, particularly with a trip to Miami looming next Thursday.