Virginia Tech @ Ohio State preview

Ohio State figures to get another tough test Saturday night when the No. 7 Buckeyes host Virginia Tech in the second game of the season for both programs. Ohio State rallied to beat Navy last weekend as freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett started in place of injured Braxton Miller and did just enough in the 34-17 win that saw the Buckeyes trail 7-6 at the half. Barrett, just the second freshman in program history to start a season opener for Ohio State, was forced into action when Miller suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery last week.

The Hokies would like nothing more than to end Ohio State’s nation-leading 25-game regular-season winning streak. They debuted a quarterback last week as well, but Michael Brewer brought over some experience from Texas Tech, and it showed in the 34-9 win against William & Mary. He completed passes to nine different receivers in the first half alone and his quick-trigger release helped keep him from getting sacked.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Ohio State -11.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (1-0): The Hokies are a young, talented squad, evident by the 28 points scored by freshmen against William & Mary. Shai McKenzie rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener, becoming the first Virginia Tech freshman to surpass 100 yards rushing in his debut game since 1996. He was named the ACC rookie of the week for his efforts.

ABOUT OHIO STATE (1-0): The Buckeyes had five first-time starters on defense and surrendered 370 rushing yards against Navy, so stopping the run should be a focal point leading up to this game. Ohio State did have a few defenders who stood out against the Midshipmen - namely cornerback Doran Grant, an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection last season who should help shore up a pass defense that gave up more yards last season than any previous team in program history. Another defender to watch is Tyvis Powell, who moved from cornerback to safety this season and appeared to adjust to the new role nicely in the opener.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ohio State has won the last 15 games in which it has scored a defensive touchdown.

2. The Buckeyes haven’t lost a home opener since 1978.

3. Virginia Tech has never played a current member of the Big Ten during the regular season.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 24, Virginia Tech 17