Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Preview
Where: Lane Stadium/Worsham Field, Blacksburg, Virginia
When: Thursday, October 20, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Miami Hurricanes (+6.5) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (-6.5); total: 51.0 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
TV Broadcast:
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Betting on the Miami Hurricanes (+6.5)
It’s probably not a fun time to be ‘Canes fan right now, as the team suffered another frustrating defeat. After being edged out by the Seminoles, 20-19, thanks to a blocked extra point attempt, they gave a subpar performance against the Tar Heels, and lost 20-13. Everyone on the fan base is perhaps looking like the ‘South Beach Sansa‘ right now –the poor girl was there live, with face paint and all, to witness both losses.
The Hurricanes’ keys to getting back on track will have to start with QB Brad Kaaya’s play. The future NFL first-round pick’s 29 incompletions in the past two games are just three short of matching what he had in his previous four. His clutch gene is could be in question soon too, since he is yet to record a game-winning or go-ahead TD in his college career.
Kaaya shouldn’t be too tentative, though. Miami simply can’t afford to, and also, he has receivers around him that are capable of making big plays. Three of his four main wideouts are getting 17 or more yards per catch, and the leader of that group, Stacy Coley, already has six TD grabs on just 24 receptions.
As for defending the Hokies’ offensive charge, we’ll find out if the ‘Canes keep up. The D has been solid so far, having 62 tackles for loss, while only giving up 4.1 yards per play and 14 points per game (fifth-best in the nation).
The ‘Canes are 5-5 SU (6-4 ATS) in their last 10 games on the road.
Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies (-6.5)
Virginia Tech is also coming off an unacceptable loss. Although it doesn’t involve a memorable clip of a passionate fan crying, it’s equally disappointing. Syracuse, who was supposed to be just another team on the schedule, thwarted the Hokies’ three-game winning streak with a 31-17 beating. The Orange Men’s dual-threat QB, Eric Dungey, passed for 311 yards and rushed for a career-high 106.
In those types of setbacks, a team can either head to the next game sloppier or hungrier. Should it be the latter, expect the classic Jerod Evans to show up. The first-year starter has 17 passing TDs this season with only two picks, along with two rushing scores. His two leading pass-catchers, Isaiah Ford and Cam Philips, will also continue being a threat to the defense – both receivers are currently averaging career-bests in receiving yards per game, with 92 and 57, respectively.
The Hokies will also try to bounce back on defense, as their well-respected D got burnt for 561 yards on offense in the previous game. It was quite far from the unit that only permits 291 total yards per game on 4.2 yards per play, and limits opposing QBs to a 44.6 comp. percentage.
The Hokies have won four straight games at home (2-2 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
Virginia Tech (-6.5) wins, 34-21.
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