Virginia Tech
vs.
Miami
College Football
Pick
11/9/13
It wasn’t so long ago that both of these teams were considered a threat on the national level. Miami (FL) was undefeated and ready to upset Florida State. They ended up in the same boat as Clemson, getting blown out by the Seminoles. Virginia Tech was even receiving some attention for their dominant defense and for a while, the Hokies only loss was against Alabama. Two straight losses against average ACC schools and that notion is gone. The Hurricanes are -6.5 point home favorites going into this one, at 5 dimes sportsbook.
Any momentum the Hokies had from six straight wins has disappeared. Losing at home to Duke and then to Boston College doesn’t do a lot for confidence. Starting with quarterback Logan Thomas, VT has been a turnover MAChine with eight in the last two Games. Turnovers also happened to be the cause of their 30-12 defeat last year against the Hurricanes. While the Hokies outgained them by almost 100 yards, turnovers cost them the Game. The only way they have a chance in this Game is if they don’t turn it over.
Miami shouldn’t be that down on themselves, they lost on the road to a great team, there’s nothing you can do about that. Then again, the ‘Canes haven’t covered in three straight Games and don’t exactly look like the No. 11 team in the country according to the BCS Standings.
After a great start, quarterback Stephen Morris has slowed down a bit and has been erratic for the Hurricanes. It started with Four interceptions against North Carolina and then a poor display against Wake Forest. It’s understandable to have a rough Game against FSU, so give him a pass on that one. Morris hasn’t looked all that improved since last year, with only 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He needs to get back on track immediately because stud running back Duke Johnson is out for the season. Sophomore Dallas Crawford will take the lead in the backfield and has shown some promise this year.
Virginia Tech’s defense is still one of the best in the country according to the numbers. It wasn’t their fault the offense turned it over Four times in the last two Games. Expect this unit to keep it a low-scoring Game unless Morris can do something special.
Logan Thomas is kind of in the same spot as Stephen Morris. He started the season with some positives (outside of Alabama), but has now looked rather average tossing six interceptions in the last two Games. Thomas has 11 TDs compared to 12 INTs for the year. He’s also averaging just 2.4 yards per carry on 121 rushes this year, which is problematic. The Hokies offense has been disguised by the defense for much of the year, but not anymore. Thomas needs turn things around fast if VT wants to get some more wins.
Miami has a respectable defense and should be able to keep Thomas in check. The over/under on this Game is at 44 and could easily hit the under if both QBs continue to struggle.
The Hokies are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road Games, while the Hurricanes are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home Games. The Hokies are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings between these teams in Miami and the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five matchups. The under has hit five straight times when these teams play in Miami.
Miami disappointed us last week. Not about to back them here. In what should be a low scoring Game, inclined to take the points with the Hokies here. We’ll offer two opinions on this one. Va Tech +7 and Under 44