After earning a win against the Navy Midshipmen in quarterback J.T. Barrett’s debut, the Ohio Buckeyes will now host the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday. The Hokies, who are also coming off a win in Week 1, are set to further test young Barrett’s mettle. Will Barrett and the Buckeyes extend their streak of regular season wins, which now stands at 25 games, or will the Hokies and their defense show up and spoil Ohio State’s home opener?
There are other big games to watch in Week 2 of college football, including the USC-Stanford tussle and Michigan State-Oregon matchup, but read on for more on this key Week 2 game.
[sc:Football ]Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus
When: Saturday, September 6, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Virginia Tech Hokies (+11.5) at Ohio State Buckeyes (-11.5) – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies
[sc:NCAA240banner ]For a team that finished 100th in the FBS last season in scoring with a measly production of 22.5 points per game last season, the Hokies’ 34-9 victory against William and Mary was an encouraging sign for their offense. It’s not just the score, though, that induces optimism for the Virginia Tech’s offense. It’s also how the team attacked, which they impressively did both through air and on the ground.
Michael Brewer, the Hokies’ new quarterback and a transferee from Texas Tech, did not disappoint in his first game under center for Virginia Tech. He threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns in the game against the Tribe. Brewer poses a threat to the Buckeyes’ passing defense, which was barely challenged in their game against the Navy.
The rushing game, which was punchless last season – 110th with 119.77 yards per game – was running smoothly against the Tribe, accumulating 222 yards. Freshmen running backs Shane McKenzie and Marshawn Williams combined for 147 yards, with the former scoring a touchdown. Sophomore J.C. Coleman added another TD on 10 carries for 20 yards.
The three youngsters are starting to transform what was a moribund ground attack last season into a force to be reckoned with in 2014.
However, it’s the play of coach Frank Beamer’s defense which will be the barometer of success for the Hokies against Ohio State. The defensive unit is still pegged to be as firm this season as last year’s which placed 11th overall in scoring defense with 19.3 PPG allowed per game in 2013.
The Hokies come into Saturday’s match with the total having hit the over in three of their last four games.
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Betting on the Ohio State Buckeyes
J.T. Barrett acquitted himself well after a good-but-not-great debut as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback on Saturday. Barrett completed 12-of-15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in their 34-17 win against the Navy Midshipmen.
With Heisman-caliber quarterback Braxton Miller out for the season because of injury, Barrett will have to build on his notable debut and improve each game moving forward. Against the Navy, Barrett went into dual-threat mode, just like Miller last season, as the redshirt freshman led the team with 50 rushing yards on nine carries.
Barrett, however, will quickly find out that rushing the ball is no cakewalk against the Hokies, whose seemingly impenetrable defense put William and Mary’s offense in a chokehold the entire game last week.
The Buckeyes, though, have a far more dangerous offense than William and Mary and should get enough from the offensive unit that burned Navy for 420 total yards. Last season, the Buckeyes were third overall in the nation in scoring with a mark of 45.5 PPG.
The Buckeyes passing defense will get its first true test of the season against Virginia Tech. The linebackers and the secondary didn’t have much to do against the Midshipmen, who only attempted four total passes in the season opener.
The Buckeyes are 9-0 in their last nine games at Columbus.
Writer’s Prediction
The Buckeyes win but not by a wide margin, as Virginia Tech covers +11.5
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