Miami at Virginia Tech – Preview and Prediction
VIRGINIA TECH 4 MIAMI (51)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Virginia Tech -7 Sagarin ratings – Virginia Tech -2
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Virginia Tech 27.5 Miami 23.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Miami 26 Virginia Tech 24
The Game
This is a big Thursday night ACC tilt ! Virginia Tech returns home after being upset by Syracuse while Miami is trying to stop a two-game losing skid (Florida St, UNC). The Hurricanes are behind the ACC 8-ball right now after the loss to North Carolina last weekend. They have two conference losses while the Tar Heels have one loss and own the tiebreaker with Miami. Virginia Tech is in much better shape with only one ACC loss and a victory over UNC. Do or die for our beloved Canes.
The Match-Up
Virginia Tech offense vs Miami defense
We think it is time to give QB Jerod Evans some props. Evans is ranked #7 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with 17 TD passes vs 2 INT. He is also a very dangerous runner with over 300Y net yards rushing. The WR corps is very underrated and TE Bucky Hodges is a match-up nightmare. The Miami defense has come back down to earth after a hot start and that is partly due to the improved competition that they have faced. The last two games combined Miami has given up almost 4 yards a carry rushing and 68% completions. The lack of depth is staring to rear its ugly head and the DL is beat up. Virginia Tech has turned it over 14 times (!) so the best hope for Miami is to get some free points and/or great field position via turnovers.
Miami offense vs Virginia Tech defense
The Miami offense has definitely started to cool down. QB Brad Kaaya has been good but a bit inconsistent. The running game has been solid most of the season and they have great 1-2 punch with Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby accounting for over 1,000 combined rushing yards. Kaaya has a multitude of weapons to choose from in the passing game but no true #1 option. Virginia Tech has been excellent on defense allowing only 45% completions and 3.1 yards per carry. The stats get really scary when you consider how well they have played at home.
MEGA-MAZEMENT !
Virginia Tech has outscored their opponents in three home games so far 139-30….The last time Miami visited Blacksburg in 2014 it was a 234895729384 STAR MEGALOCKS winner 30-6….The Hurricanes have been outgained in three straight games…..The under is 10-3 L13 in the series and VT is 39-18 to the under in their last 57 conference games……Miami is 13-6 to the under L19 conference games.
Summary
Virginia Tech is nasty. They got ambushed by Syracuse last week but should be really tough against a Miami team that is spinning their wheels and really not playing that well. The Hokies should be able to slow down the Hurricanes’ running game and win the game with a more balanced offense. Kaaya vs the Hokies’ secondary seems like a win for Virginia Tech.
Conclusion
Official play: Virginia Tech -4 -106
Lean: Under any number 50 or better.