Virginia Tech vs. Louisville, odds, prediction & more

The biggest game this weekend in the ACC will take place in Kentucky when Louisville hosts Virginia Tech. Both teams have one loss on conference action and the winner has the inside track to the second spot in the ACC title game in December against most likely Florida State.

Not many people had the Hokies in this position just a month ago after a 1-3 start in non-conference games, but here is Brent Pry’s team with an opportunity to take the program to the next step in the rebuild. Here is a preview of the 3:30 clash this Saturday.

Virginia Tech vs. Louisville, odds, spread, total

As I write this article, Louisville is a 9.5 favorite according to DraftKings with an over/under of 48.5. Louisville is a -360 on the moneyline and the Hokies are +285.

Virginia Tech vs. Louisville, How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Venue: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium
• How to Watch: ACC Network or fuboTV
• Virginia Tech record: 4-4 (3-1 ACC)
• Louisville record: 7-1 (4-1 ACC)

Virginia Tech vs. Louisville, Players to Watch

Virginia Tech

Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DL: Over the last month, the Hokies’ defense has been good and Powell-Ryland has been a key for that. He has nine sacks in the two games and is a big reason why the defense allowed zero rushing yards to Syracuse last week. He will be key in slowing down Jawhar Jordan and quarterback Jack Plummer.

Kyron Drones, QB: The first three road games against Rutgers, Marshall, and Florida State were not too kind to Drones, but after three games under his belt at home, how will the Baylor transfer adapt to playing in a big game on the road? The emergence of Bhayshul Tuten has certainly helped him out and it has also opened up the passing game for Tech. How Drones plays will go a long way into determining the Hokies’ fate on the road.

Louisville

Jawhar Jordan, RB: One of the more dynamic backs in the ACC, Jordan is coming off earning ACC running back of the week honors after rushing for 163 yards in the Cardinals’ win over Duke. The redshirt junior added two touchdown runs in the game. Here is something to keep in mind, five times Jordan has rushed for 100 yards in a game this season and Louisville has won each game.

Jack Plummer, QB: The California transfer has been good in his first season for the Cardinals. This season, he has thrown for 2,108 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Against Duke, he was 11-for-16 for 117 yards and in the Cardinals’ loss to Pittsburgh, he went 29-for-52 for 350 yards.

Virginia Tech vs. Louisville, Prediction

Again, who saw this game having so much meaning a month ago? Many results had to go the Hokies way to make this game that meaningful and they have. Let’s not overlook the fact that the three wins Virginia Tech has in the conference have all come at Lane Stadium, Their orad performances at Rutgers and Marshall left a lot to be desired, but they are a different team than they were back then. Going to Florida State is not easy for anyone. Louisville was ranked 13th in the first College Football Playoff Rankings on Tuesday night and despite losing to Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, they will be ready at home with a lot on the line.

Prediction: Louisville 30, Virginia Tech 17