Virginia Tech Football: ESPN has interesting projections for the Hokies

Halfway through the 2023 season, the Virginia Tech football team sits at 2-4 and they need to win four out of their last six beginning this weekend against Wake Forest. Last weekend, they got Florida State, the toughest team outside of Louisville remaining on the schedule, out of the way and the Hokies have what could be considered an “interesting’’ remaining schedule.

ESPN’s matchup predictor, they like the Hokies to split their final six games, all ACC matchups, and should we think that’s going to happen?

ESPN predictor likes Hokies in half of their remaining games

With Florida State out of the way, the Hokies remaining schedule is manageable. ESPN’s predictor agrees, including beginning this week against Wake Forest. Here is a look at what the predictor currently thinks the 2023 season will ned in Blacksburg.

• 10/14, Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest: 50.5% chance to win
• 10/26, Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse: 28.2% chance to win
• 11/4, Virginia Tech at Louisville: 14.8% chance to win
• 11/11, Virginia Tech at Boston College: 53.4% chance to win
• 11/18, Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina State: 44.0% chance to win
• 11/25, Virginia Tech at Virginia: 60.9% chance to win

Breakdown

If there is one thing that this tells us, it’s that things can go in many different directions for the Hokies over the final six games. This week against Wake Forest, the Hokies opened as an underdog and are now a slight favorite on most boards. Even the ESPN predictor like the Demon Deacons until this week and this not not the offensive juggernaut that coach Dave Clawson brings to town as they are averaging nearly six fewer points a game this season than in 2022.

After a bye week, Syracuse will be the second toughest opponent remaining according to the predictor, followed by a Nov. 4 game at Louisville. The Cardinals at undefeated and going to be in a heated race with Florida State and North Carolina for a spot in the ACC Championship game the first weekend in December.

The final three games, at BC, vs. NC State, and at Virginia are all winnable games. Boston College is dealing with their own problems on both sides of the ball and Virginia has been in some games, including NC State, but has not been able to close them out.

Say what you will, but the Hokies can make the final six weeks interesting, beginning this weekend at home against Wake Forest.