Virginia Tech @ East Carolina preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2011 ) Virginia Tech 17, East Carolina 10

Pass-happy East Carolina will host the nation's third-ranked pass efficiency defense when Virginia Tech visits on Saturday. Quarterback Shane Carden has completed almost 80 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions while sparking the Pirates to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2010. However, the Hokies will pose a tough challenge for Carden as the pass defense has allowed just one TD and picked off four passes in the first two contests, which includes a season-opening loss to No. 1 Alabama.

East Carolina may as well be dubbed an honorary ACC member with three conference opponents on its 2013 schedule. The Pirates are seeking to upend an ACC school for the first time since 2010 when they topped North Carolina State in overtime. Virginia Tech is seeking its first win against an FBS opponent as the Hokies clash with the first of two consecutive Conference USA foes. They host Marshall on Sept. 21.

TV: Noon. ET, FOX Sports 1. LINE: Virginia Tech -7.5.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (1-1): The Hokies bounced back from a 35-10 loss to Alabama by drubbing FCS foe Western Carolina, limiting the Catamounts to 51 passing yards and intercepting three passes. Virginia Tech has four capable bodies at running back led by Trey Edmunds, who is averaging 100 yards rushing per game. Quarterback Logan Thomas needs just eight completions to become Tech's all-time leader, but has connected on just 38.6 percent of his attempts while throwing three interceptions and only one TD this season.

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (2-0): Carden is averaging 319.0 passing yards for an offense that uses an aerial attack on more than 80 percent of its plays. Running back Vintavious Cooper is the Pirates' leading rusher with 66.5 yards per game, but was also the team's top receiver against Florida Atlantic last week with five receptions for 49 yards. East Carolina has posted 4.0 sacks per game - tied for fourth nationally.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech has won nine of the last 10 meetings between the two programs and leads the all-time series 12-5.

2. The Hokies have won the last four meetings at East Carolina, including a 17-10 victory in 2011.

3. East Carolina has won 11 of its last 12 games when scoring 30 or more points, including the first two contests of 2013.

PREDICTION: East Carolina 21, Virginia Tech 17