Virginia Tech vs. Miami: Final Odds, Prediction

This week, the Virginia Tech football team gets a primetime game Friday night in South Florida against No. 7 Miami. The two rivals will begin a yearly battle with the new ACC scheduling and this season's matchup was one where a lot of people were anticipating a pair of 4-0 squaring off. It isn’t happening that way.

Both teams got a lot of preseason hype going into the season as potential dark horses for the new 12-team College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes have lived up to the hype, while the Hokies, have not so much. Losses to Vanderbilt and Rutgers, sandwiched around wins over Marshall and Old Dominion have them sitting at 2-2.

Even though we are just four games into the season, all in the non-conference for both teams, you can make the case that there are two programs going in different directions. This is going to be a very difficult matchup for Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech vs. Miami: Final odds, Prediction

The line opened up big at 17.5 points according to DraftKings and it has steady right there as the week has gone along. At the time that this article is being written, the Hurricanes are still a 17.5-point favorite, which in the overall big picture, seems about right.

Virginia Tech enters the game with injuries and the status of some players up in the air. Quarterback Kyron Drones is banged up, as is running back Bhayshul Tuten and wide receiver Ali Jennings. The offensive line is hurting, as is the defensive line with Kemari Copeland out, as is safety Jalen Stroman. 

Miami’s offense led by Washington State transfer QB Cam Ward has rolled in their first four games and it’s going to be difficult for Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Chris Marve to slow down. They have a good rushing attack with wide receivers who can make plays downfield.

Until Virginia Tech improves on the offensive side of the ball and until they prove that they can hang with a contender, it’s hard to see them being very competitive for Miami. They could hang around through the first half, but sooner or later, Miami’s talented and explosive offense will be able to put up points.

Prediction: Miami 45, Virginia Tech 17