The football team at Virginia Tech will be playing Pittsburgh on Saturday at 12 p.m. EST on ESPNU.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1) are ranked 24th in the nation and will have the advantage of being on their home turf of Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. They'll have to face the unranked Pittsburgh Panthers (3-1), who beat them 35-17 in 2012.

The Panthers have the advantage of winning the past four games in their series against the Hokies. Regardless, Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst knows that they have to give it their all to beat Virginia Tech Saturday.

"I think they're doing things a little different this year," Chryst said this week. "You can use last year as a reference point, but you certainly have to concentrate this year. There are a lot of similarities personnel-wise. They're playing fast in the back end and aggressive up front. They're physical when they run the ball, and they can create havoc, turnovers and sacks."

The Hokies are fifth nationally in total defense, only allowing 264 yards per game. They are also top ranked in interceptions with 13 and tied for first in sacks with 19.

"Going out here, we're going to prepare the same way," said VT senior quarterback Logan Thomas. "We're going to practice hard the same way. We're just going to keep playing." Thomas became the Virginia Tech career leader last week in passing yards. He also had three touchdown passes, a new record for the senior.

Watch the Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech game on Saturday at noon on ESPNU or via live stream here.

Tags: Virginia Tech football NCAA Football college football pittsburgh