Tech Moves Up in Both Polls

After their 30-10 victory over Marshall this weekend, the Hokies moved up in
both the USA Today Coaches’ Poll as well as the AP Poll. Virginia Tech is the
highest-ranked team in the ACC, and they’ll host Clemson this weekend in a major
conference showdown.

Four ACC teams are ranked in the top 25. North Carolina dropped out as a
result of their 35-28 loss at the hands of Georgia Tech.

The Clemson Tigers are a surging football team. They were unranked two weeks
ago, but after home wins over Auburn and Florida State, they have catapulted
into the top 15 in both polls. They’ll face their most substantial challenge yet
on Saturday, when they take in Virginia Tech in a night game in Lane Stadium.

Florida State is plummeting after two consecutive losses to Oklahoma and
Clemson. The Seminoles lost in Death Valley this past weekend with starting
quarterback E.J. Manuel missing the game with a shoulder injury.

Virginia Tech’s October 8 matchup with the Miami Hurricanes will kick off at
3:30pm and it will be televised by ABC and ESPN. ABC will show the game
regionally, while ESPN will air the game in other parts of the country.

Miami is 1-2 on the season, following a 28-24 home upset at the hands of
Kansas State this past Saturday. The Canes take on Bethune-Cookman this weekend,
so they should be back to .500 when they visit Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech r-sophomore James Gayle was honored as the ACC Defensive
Lineman of the Week for his performance against Marshall on Saturday.

Gayle was a big part of why the Tech defense limited Marshall to just six
rushing yards. He finished with seven tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks
and three quarterback hurries. He, along with many of his teammates, wrecked
havoc in the Marshall backfield for the entire game.