Smothers, Coaching Change Shape NC State–Virginia Tech

NC State hosts Virginia Tech Saturday in the 53rd meeting between programs whose series dates back 125 years, with the Hokies leading the all-time series 28-20-4. Virginia Tech fired Brent Pry after a 1-3 start and promoted offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery to interim head coach, creating uncertainty and the risk of player departures once the transfer window opens. NC State seeks a bounceback after a loss to Duke and will lean on breakout running back Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers (503 yards, 6.3 YPC, 4 TDs), whom Montgomery singled out as a major threat. Virginia Tech’s defense still features playmakers up front and in the secondary — notably Kemari Copeland, Ben Bell and Isaiah Cash — who have produced tackles, pressures and turnovers despite the team’s struggles. Forecast rain for Saturday raises ball-security and turnover-margin concerns that could magnify the game’s significance for both programs.