After a convincing 73-3 season-opening win over VMI last weekend at Lane Stadium to kick off the James Franklin era in Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech football team will look for a second consecutive win on Saturday afternoon when Old Dominion visits. It will be nearly a year to the day since the Monarchs came into Lane Stadium and blasted the Hokies, 45-26, which ended the Brent Pry era the following day as head coach.
Now, because of that game, ODU coach Ricky Rahne will bring his team in this season with his former boss at Penn State, James Franklin, now the head coach of the Hokies, and a different-looking Virginia Tech team and vibe around the program. After this game, Virginia Tech hits the road to face two Power 4 conference opponents, Maryland and Boston College. Let's take a look at the odds and make a prediction for Saturday's game.
Final Virginia Tech vs. Old Dominion: odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Virginia Tech (-1200)
- Old Dominion (+720)
Spread
- Virginia Tech -18.5 (-114)
- Old Dominion +18.5 (-106)
Total
- 48.5 (over -105/under -115)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Virginia Tech vs. Old Dominion prediction
This is a game that the Hokies must win. There are no excuses for a loss. None whatsoever. Both teams are different, and the vibes around Virginia Tech are very different. Both teams are coming in 1-0 after the Monarchs rolled over former Hokies legend Michael Vick and Norfolk State last weekend.
A couple of things to watch are how the Hokies' offense does against a better ODU defense than the one Virginia Tech saw last weekend in VMI. Will they be able to run the ball with Marcellous Hawkins and Jeffrey Overton Jr.? What about the passing game? Will Ethan Grunkemeyer have opportunities to make plays downfield? Will he connect on them? How will the offensive line hold up after it was shredded last season by Old Dominion?
Virginia Tech's defense should be flying under Pry, as it should be the most motivated group for their defensive coordinator. If Virginia Tech is going to make strides under Franklin in his first season in Blacksburg, then winning this game is a must.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 41, Old Dominion 20
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