On Saturday night, when the Virginia Tech football team takes the field at Lane Stadium against Vanderbilt, the Hokies will do so in what is an early-season must-win game. They will also be looking for revenge for a 34-27 season-opening overtime loss in Nashville last season against the Commodores.
It is not going to be easy for Virginia Tech to turn around and play a second straight SEC school in six days, but it's the next game up on their schedule. Here are three bold predictions for the Hokies against an up-and-coming Vanderbilt program.
1. Virginia Tech scores a special teams touchdown
Of course, "Beamer Ball" decided the outcome against South Carolina, and it was the Gamecocks who turned the tide in the game on an 80-yard Vicari Swain punt return for a touchdown. Having Tucker Holloway back is big for the Hokies, and he is due to break one to the house.
Virginia Tech also has some talented players on the kick return unit on kickoffs, and expect them to run the ball out multiple times and look to break one. Think about the momentum swing on a Saturday night inside Lane Stadium if Virginia Tech can find the endzone with a special team's touchdown. It's time.
2. Virginia Tech wins a one-score game
The Hokies began as a 3.5 favorite at DraftKings before last weekend's games, then the line dropped to 1.5 with money being put on the Commodores. This has the feel of a one-score game, and Pry finally gets over the hump in his one-score failures and pulls one out.
Whether it's on a John Love field goal, a late touchdown, or a big stand defensively, Virginia Tech is long overdue for a one-score result to go in their favor. If it does, then watch how quickly Pry's seat cools down.
3. Virginia Tech's defense has over 4.5 sacks and takeaways
Honestly, if Virginia Tech is going to have a chance to win the game, they'll have to contain the Commodores' quarterback, Diego Pavia, a lot better than they did last year. The Hokies sacked South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers four times last weekend and expect them to make Pavia a focus this week.
Takeaways are going to play a significant role in the game, as they always do. If Virginia Tech secures over 4.5 sacks and takeaways combined, you have to feel good about their chances of winning the game. Also, limiting big plays will be key, something they couldn't do a year ago.