Why Virginia Tech Should Easily Beat Pittsburgh

Oct 5, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver D.J. Coles (18) celebrates with quarterback Logan Thomas (3) and wide receiver Willie Byrn (82) and running back Trey Edmunds (14) after a touchdown catch in the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies have been playing fairly well recently and are playing one of the best teams they have played since playing Alabama based on records. Pittsburgh is a solid team but the Panthers are not a team that should have Virginia Tech fans thinking that the Hokies might just go down in an upset. Pittsburgh might have a 3-1 record but the Panthers were blown out by Florida State who is the only really good team that the Panthers have played. Pittsburgh also is not a team that matches up well against the Hokies which should please Virginia Tech fans. So why will the Hokies walk right over the Panthers at Lane Stadium?

Virginia Tech has a dominant defense

Virginia Tech’s defense has dominated opponenets whether it has been a triple-option offense like Georgia Tech or a pass heavy offense like Marshall. Pittsburgh has averaged a lot of points but that is from two games against weaker competition (Duke and New Mexico). Virginia Tech’s defense slowed down North Carolina this past week and with a bye week coming up for the Hokies, expect the Virginia Tech defense to be ready to go all out. Pittsburgh’s senior quarterback Tom Savage has also thrown 6 interceptions in 4 games and with Virginia Tech’s secondary, that number could go up by at least 2 or 3 Saturday.

Pittsburgh’s Defense is not that good

Pittsburgh’s defense is not that good at all and has only had one good performance which came in their last game when they only gave up 3 points to the downward trending Virginia Cavaliers. Duke put up 55 points against the Panthers but have been unable to go over 40 points against any other FBS competition that they have faced. Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled throughout the season and has seen Jameis Winston become a big time star for Florida State.

Virginia Tech’s Offense is getting better

Virginia Tech’s offense has started to play better over the last couple of games with Logan Thomas starting to play like a quality starting quarterback. Thomas has completed over two-thirds of his passes in the last two games and is looking like a quarterback who knows how to make plays. Wide receiver Willie Byrn had the best game of his season last week and has proven to be able to make big catches in big situations. Trey Edmunds is also starting to get healthy which should allow him to get back to the player that impressed at the beginning of the season. Of course, Edmunds should also be able to benefit from how Virginia Tech’s passing game is going to stretch the field for Edmunds.