Virginia Tech at Virginia Preview and Prediction

Jan 22, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Devin Wilson (11) shoots the ball during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies have had some struggles in the ACC but that can all change quickly if they get a big win and they’ll have their chance against arch rival Virginia. The Hokies really could use a victory but they will be challenged by a Virginia team that has blown out most of their ACC opponents while also wanting revenge after the Hokies beat the Wahoos for a tenth straight year in football. The Virginia Tech-Virginia rivalry might not be the most well known rivalry in the country but it is one of the best between two schools that both want to beat the other badly. The Hokies have a chance today to turn around their season in a big way if they can shock a sellout crowd at John Paul Jones Arena and pull off the upset.

If the Hokies are going to pull off the upset, then they are going to have to create opportunities and have quality ball movement against a very good Virginia defense. Devin Wilson is going to have to avoid having too many turnovers while also attacking the basket like he has a lot recently to set up Jarell Eddie and others on the outside. Wilson has been playing better and better every game so this could be the time when he takes off and potentially carries the Hokies to a victory and not just a close loss.

The Hokies are also going to lead Jarell Eddie to be more efficient and take quality shots as Eddie has taken a lot of bad shots throughout the season. Eddie needs to actually create chances for his teammates and that should help him get more space to get the shots he wants. Joey Van Zegeren has been inconsistent in terms of blocking shots but Van Zegeren will be ready to go while C.J. Barksdale’s experience will make him the guy James Johnson wants to start with Van Zegeren in the frontcourt.

This is going to be a very intriguing game as the Hokies are big underdogs but you can throw out the records in rivalry games. Joe Harris has played very well the last few games and Harris will probably continue to do that today. Devin Wilson will attack the basket and get a lot of points also as Harris and Wilson will be the top scorers. Jarell Eddie has struggled and in a tough environment like John Paul Jones Arena, Eddie will struggle once again. This is a pick that I don’t want to make as everything leans towards Virginia beating the Hokies today but I’ll let you the Virginia Tech fans make your own prediction about today’s game. Hopefully, the Hokies will pull off the upset but I’m not very confident entering this one against Virginia.

Let’s Go Hokies