8/31/24
College Football Pick: Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, August 31st
- Time: 12:00 PM EST
- Location: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, TN
- Current Line: Virginia Tech -14 (BetOnline, WagerWeb)
- Total: 54
Vanderbilt Commodores: A Challenging Road Ahead
The Vanderbilt Commodores enter the 2024 season with tempered expectations after a 2-10 record in 2023. The program has struggled to consistently compete in the SEC, with only two bowl appearances in the last decade (2016, 2018). The Commodores face a daunting schedule, regularly facing powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, making it difficult to attract top-tier recruits.
However, there are some glimmers of hope. Vanderbilt returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense, providing much-needed experience. The team’s path to a bowl game likely hinges on pulling off upsets against SEC opponents, as their non-conference schedule (Alcorn State, Georgia State, Ball State) offers limited opportunities for marquee wins.
Virginia Tech Hokies: A Contender in the ACC
The Virginia Tech Hokies are riding a wave of momentum after a 7-6 season in 2023, capped off by a dominant Military Bowl victory over Tulane. The Hokies return a wealth of talent, with 11 starters on offense and 10 on defense. This continuity and experience make them a legitimate contender for the ACC title.
Data-Driven Prediction
Our model, based on last season’s data, predicts a 34-17 Virginia Tech win. Vanderbilt’s struggles against strong opponents last year, often losing by double digits, raise concerns about their ability to close the gap in their season opener. While Vanderbilt is expected to improve, a significant leap in Week 1 seems unlikely.
The Pick
Given the data and Vanderbilt’s historical challenges, our pick is Virginia Tech -13.5.
Key Factors to Watch
- Vanderbilt’s Defense: Can the Commodores’ defense, with its returning starters, slow down Virginia Tech’s potent offense?
- Virginia Tech’s Continuity: Will the Hokies’ experienced roster translate into a dominant performance on the road?
- Upset Potential: Can Vanderbilt defy the odds and pull off an upset in their season opener?