Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse, odds, predictions, Week 9

Coming off of their bye week, the Virginia Tech football team returns to action with a Thursday night tilt at Lane Stadium against Syracuse. The Hokies come into the game at 3-4, while the Orange is 4-3, also coming off of their bye.

It was a good bye week for the Hokies as they needed it to allow some of their banged-up players to rest after a tough and physical seven weeks. They started the season 1-3 in their four non-conference games, but since ACC play began, they have wins over Pittsburgh and Wake Forest, sandwiched around a loss at Florida State.

Syracuse began the season with four consecutive wins but dropped ACC contests to Clemson, North Carolina, and Florida State before their break. This has the potential to be a very entertaining game.

Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse, odds, spread, total

As I write this article, the Hokies are a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 47. The Hokies are -135 on the moneyline, while the Orange is +115.

Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse How to Watch

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Venue: Lane Stadium
• How to Watch: ESPN or fuboTV
• Virginia Tech record: 3-4
• Syracuse record: 4-3

Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse Players to Watch

Virginia Tech

Bhayshul Tuten, RB: Since offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen committed to the running game following a loss at Marshall, Tuten has been a game-changer for the Hokies. It took four weeks, but the North Carolina A&T transfer has taken some of the pressure off of quarterback Kyron Drones. Not only has he played a big role in the offense, but he has become a dangerous kickoff returner taking a kickoff back 99 yards against Florida State. Bowen and the Hokies must continue to feed him against the Orange.

Syracuse

Garrett Schrader, QB: One of the better quarterbacks in the ACC, Schrader is as tough as they come. This season, he has thrown for 1,371 yards and eight touchdowns. Against Florida State in his last game, the senior was lonely 9-for-21 for 99 yards, but the Seminoles are going to do that to the best QBs. Virginia Tech’s defense has been playing well lately, however, aside from Jordan Travis, Schrader is going to be one of the best signal callers they see this season.

Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse, Prediction

Things have not gone well for the Orange since conference play began, but they have had as tough of a schedule as anyone against Clemson, North Carolina, and Florida State. They are a better team than their record indicates. Virginia Tech has had two dominating performances at Lane Stadium against Pittsburgh and Wake Forest, winning both games with Drones playing well and their defense getting after the opposing team’s quarterbacks. In terms of bowl-eligibility, this is a big one for both teams, but more so the Hokies who finish the season with three of their final four games on the road. This game could go either way.

Prediction: Syracuse 28, Virginia Tech 27