After a heartbreaking loss to Miami, Virginia Tech is now on the road to face Stanford in the first ACC conference meeting between the two programs. Here are three stories worth noting.
1. Virginia Tech will face a new regular season opponent.
From Hokie Sports: “Saturday’s contest will mark the first time in the regular season that Virginia Tech football and Stanford will meet. Overall, this is only the second meeting in history for the two programs. The first matchup took place in the 2011 Orange Bowl, when Tech was ranked 12th and Stanford ranked 5th. This weekend’s contest is the programs’ first regular season matchup and their first as conference mates. It offers some interesting storylines.”
2. Can Mansour Delane continue his elite play?
From Hokie Sports: “Tech’s secondary offers elite coverage personnel with two talented corners on the perimeter. Mansour Delaine is a huge addition to defensive coordinator Chris Marvais and cornerbacks coach Derek Jones. The impressive junior leads the team with two interceptions and four interceptions.” After trying a pass breakup in the season opener, Delane has had 18 targets since Week 2. He has held opposing receivers to just four receptions. Delane, a native of Silver Spring, Maryland, also excels in run support, scoring 74.1 points per Pro Football. Focus (PFF). ”
3. Can Aiden Green prove his productivity in back-to-back games?
From Hokie Sports: “True sophomore Aiden Green had his most productive game to date against the Hurricanes. The speedy wideout made his first career start of his young career during Tech’s opening drive of the fourth quarter. He scored a touchdown. Green showed good chemistry with quarterback Kyron Drones after the game.” Overall, the Knoxville, Tenn., product had three catches for 33 yards as the team heads into its game against Stanford. He will likely build on his points against Miami. ”