The eighth highest-rated broadcast in the history of ESPN2, this game set a new record for the most-watched college football game in the history of ESPN2. (That mark was eclipsed later that month by a Monday-night broadcast of Tennessee @ LSU.) Marcus Vick made his first start for the Hokies, completing 10 of 21 passes for 108 yards. Tech's offense managed only 232 yards of total offense (State piled up 438), but Nic Schmitt, in his debut game as starting punter, kept the Hokies in good field position, averaging 46.5 yards per punt. Special teams, penalties (the Wolfpack were penalized 12 times for 105 yards), and turnovers (State committed three turnovers while Tech committed none) were the difference in the game.