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Virginia Tech To Be Without Key Defensive Tackle For Pitt Game

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - According to reports, Virginia Tech will be without their key defensive end Luther Maddy for their Thursday night matchup with the Pitt Panthers.

As Chip Patterson of CBSSports.com wrote, Maddy is still recovering from surgery he underwent last month on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus.

Coming off a year in which he recorded 55 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2014, Maddy had an opportunity to turn pro, but decided to return to Virginia Tech, where he would be a key cog in their defense.

Facing a Pitt rushing attack featuring one of the toughest runners in the college ranks in James Conner, the Hokies will certainly miss their big man up the middle.

Conner comes into this matchup as the ACC's leading rusher and ranking fifth nationally in total rushing yards with 874.  Conner also tops the ACC and is seventh in the country in rushing touchdowns with nine.

Despite the recent absence of Maddy from their defensive line, Virginia Tech still features one of the nation's top defenses rankings 16th in rushing defense (108.8 yards per game), 21st in total defense (325.2 yards per game) and 23rd in scoring defense (19.8 points per game).

You can hear all the action between Pitt and Virginia Tech on Sportsradio 93-7 The FAN as our pregame coverage begins Thursday at 4:20 p.m. with Chris Mueller hosting Panther Preview.

You can also read more about the game here and find out why the Hokies will have to worry about James Conner on both sides of the ball.

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