After a much-needed bye week, the Virginia Tech football team will have a lot to play for Friday night when they travel to Dallas, Texas, for a late-season ACC showdown with SMU, in the first matchup between the two schools as ACC opponents.
Both teams are coming in feeling different, with the Hokies rested after a bye week and two weeks after rallying in the fourth quarter for a 20-16 road win at Clemson. The win improved the Hokies to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the ACC. Meanwhile, SMU comes in at 6-2 and 4-2 in conference play after suffering a tough 30-27 loss at Syracuse on Saturday afternoon. Their welcome to the ACC is official with a loss at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Now, on a short week, head coach Rhett Lashley will look to rebound his team against Virginia Tech in what is turning into an elimination game as far as the race for the ACC Championship Game goes for both teams. A third loss will dash the hopes of the loser when it comes to getting to Charlotte in December. Here is a look at the final odds for the game and a prediction.
Final Virginia Tech vs. SMU: odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Moneyline
- SMU (-225)
- Virginia Tech (+185)
Spread
- SMU -6.5 (-110)
- Virginia Tech +6.5 (-100)
Total
- 56.5 (over -108/under -112)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Virginia Tech at SMU prediction
Based on the odds, this is a game that SMU is favored in, and rightfully so. The Mustangs are at home, and they have been very tough at home since joining the ACC three years ago. They have struggled at times at home this season, but as good teams do, they have found ways to win games in the end.
As far as Friday's matchup goes, it's a really interesting one on both sides of the ball. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings is one of the better signal callers who can hurt teams with both his arms and legs. The Mustangs have some prolific playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, but their defensive line is as stout as there is in the ACC.
As for Virginia Tech, the Hokies' offense got going in the second half at Clemson two weeks ago, but will need to be more productive against the Mustangs earlier if the Hokies are going to be in the game come halftime.
Brent Pry's defense will get its toughest conference test against Jennings and SMU, but they still have to travel to play Miami in a couple of weeks, which is hands down the best offense not only in the ACC, but maybe in college football. Some SEC schools might have something to say about that. It would be a great time for the Tech defense to come up with some plays and turnovers in a road game. In the end, can Virginia Tech make enough plays to get a road win?
Prediction: SMU 27, Virginia Tech 23
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