Fighting Gobbler Predictions: Virginia Tech vs Western Michigan
By Tim Thomas
Sep 13, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer (12) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies suffered two disappointing losses in the last two weeks but this Saturday should be different against the Western Michigan Broncos. The Hokies will look to gain some momentum in their final non-conference game of the season on homecoming weekend.
This is an opportunity to see some players that may not have played much this season if the Hokies get the job done in blowout fashion as expected so lets get to the picks.
Joe Vitulli
The reeling Hokies will host Western Michigan in their final out of conference game of the season on Saturday. Since beating the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Hokies have dropped two straight to East Carolina and Georgia Tech in sloppy penalty and turnover-marred games. If Virginia Tech wants to win, they will have to reduce the number of penalties and turnovers this week.
Make no mistake about this game either. This is a must win game for the Hokies. After this week, the Hokies will play North Carolina and Pittsburgh on the road before coming home to face Miami. The Hokies need a good win here to gain a little momentum heading into that stretch. I think quarterback Michael Brewer plays a much crisper game and leads the Hokies to victory. Hokies 38 Western Michigan 17
Dwight Lester
The Hokies come into homecoming on a two-game losing streak. Both games have been losses that tore the hearts right out of Hokie fans’ chests. In the past two games, the Hokies have turned the ball over at critical times, and had entirely too many penalties. The game against Western Michigan is an opportunity for the Hokies to correct these mistakes and right a leaking ship.
The Hokies are far more talented on both sides of the ball, and they should show this talent early on. Look for the defense to dominate and cause multiple Western Michigan turnovers. They should be able to get great pressure even with out big Luther in the middle. The offense really makes this game not close and Michael Brewer gains some much needed confidence going into the tough games ahead. The Hokies roll 38-13.
Tim Thomas
The Hokies will be looking to bounce back this week after back-to-back home losses and this game should be the perfect opportunity. This will be a game that Frank Beamer will want to rest his starters in as long as they earn it which I expect them to do. This should be a game of opportunity for many players to get some playing time.
Michael Brewer will play well in the first half while the running game will be productive with Shai McKenzie having a big game. Meanwhile, the Virginia Tech defense will force multiple turnovers and this game will be a blowout by halftime. By the end of the game, I think Brenden Motley will get some playing time with the backups and complete what will be a massive blowout. Hokies 52, Western Michigan 10