Virginia Tech vs. Virginia, Odds, predictions, preview, Week 13

There is a lot on the line Saturday afternoon when the Virginia Tech football team plays their in-state rivals Virginia in Charlottesville. A win for the Hokies and they become bowl-eligible in the second season under Brent Pry and it would mark the 18th victory over the Cavaliers in the last 19 meetings.

For the Cavaliers, at stake is an opportunity to keep Virginia Tech from getting extra practices and another game in December and have bragging rights when it comes to recruiting. For the Hokies, it’s simple, no style points are needed, just find a way to win the game.

Virginia Tech vs. Virginia, How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 24
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Va.
• How to Watch: ACC Network or FuboTV
• Virginia Tech record: 5-6 (4-3 ACC)
• Virginia record: 3-8 (2-5 ACC)

Virginia Tech vs. Virginia, Odds, Spread, Total

As I write this, the Hokies are a 2.5-point favorite over the Cavaliers with an over/under of 52.5 points.

Virginia Tech vs. Virginia, Players to Watch

Virginia Tech

Bhayshul Tuten, RB: Last week against NC State, Virginia Tech’s top running back had just two carries. He did return a kickoff to the Wolfpack’s 47-yard line, but that was the extent of his contributions in the game. That can’t happen. The winning formula for the Hokies is simple, get the running game going, mainly Tuten. When they do, good things happen. When they don’t? See last week. Expect Tyler Bowen to have quarterback Kyron Drones hand the ball off to the North Carolina A&T transfer early and often.

Virginia

Malik Washington, WR: The Cavaliers’ dynamic wide receiver can make plays and he can make big ones. One thing Chris Marve’s unit is going to need to pay attention to is where Washington is at all times. He can have a big game similar to the one KC Concepcion had last week for NC State against Tech’s defense. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea made headlines this week for his comment after Virginia’s win after beating Duke, but he has been getting better and better each week with Washington being his top target.

Virginia Tech vs. Virginia, Prediction

It is very simple for Virginia Tech going into Charlottesville, win and you become bowl eligible and Pry gains valuable extra practices in December and they get one more game. Lose and it becomes a very long offseason heading into 2024. After starting 1-3, it was hard to see the Hokies in this position, but they have been a different-looking team since ACC play began. Their struggles away from home have been noted a lot, but if there is a reason for hope, it’s the performance they had two weeks ago at Boston College when they dominated the Eagles, 48-22. That performance should give them confidence in a huge rivalry game. I see them going on the road and getting win No. 6.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 23