Western Carolina @ Virginia Tech preview

Virginia Tech looks to shake off a season-opening loss to No. 1 Alabama when Western Carolina visits on Saturday. Special teams mistakes and an untimely interception proved to be a recipe for disaster against the two-time defending national champions for the Hokies, who had nine freshman see action in the game. Senior quarterback Logan Thomas threw for only 59 yards against the Crimson Tide but enters the Catamounts game less than 1,000 yards behind Tyrod Taylor on Virginia Tech's all-time passing list.

Western Carolina faces its second consecutive FBS opponent after a 45-24 loss to Middle Tennessee in Week 1. The Catamounts have dropped 11 straight games after winning head coach Mark Speir's head coaching debut against Mars Hill to start the 2012 season. During the losing streak, Western Carolina has allowed opponents an average of 43.6 points.

TV: 1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3 LINE: None

ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA (0-1): The Catamounts bring 20 first year players into the matchup with VIrginia Tech, looking for their first win in more than a calendar year. On top of the current overall losing streak, Western Carolina has dropped 15 straight road games dating back to 2010 and is just 12-68 in its last 80 contests. The Catamounts were picked seventh in the Southern Conference in both the preseason coaches' and media polls.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (0-1): The Hokies' defense was a bright spot against Alabama, holding the Tide to two touchdowns on offense and 206 total yards. Redshirt freshman Trey Edmunds carried the ball 20 times for 132 yards in his collegiate debut. Virginia tech hopes to have J.C. Coleman (ankles) join Edwards in the backfield in time for Western Carolina.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech is 23-3 in home openers under head coach Frank Beamer.

2. The Catamounts are 0-27 all-time against ACC teams, falling most recently in 2011 to Georgia Tech, 63-21.

3. Edmunds performance against Alabama made him the first Hokie freshman to rush for 100 or more yards in his first game since Shyrone Stith compiled 119 against Akron in 1996.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 31, Western Carolina 10