Boise State vs Virginia Tech at FedEx Field (Neutral Site)
Monday, 9/6/10, 8:06 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: Boise State -2.5
Current Betting Line: Pick
Opening Total: 53
Current Total: 51
Current Moneyline: Boise State -110, Virginia Tech -110
All odds taken from Bookmaker Sportsbook
Boise State begins its journey of a possible national title run when it faces the Virginia for the first time in school history at FedEx Field, on Monday night. The team finished off an unblemished 2009-10 season with a 17-10 victory over TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. That record and bowl victory has the Broncos starting the season with its highest-ever ranking. “Let’s prove everyone right,” head coach Chris Petersen stated. Most of the reasoning for extremely high hopes is the fact the team returns all but one start, including an entire offense that tied Houston with 42.2 points per game to lead the nation last year. The main question surrounding the Broncos year after year is their schedule, which included two AP Top 25 teams before Saturday’s results, but Oregon State is likely to drop out with its loss to the TCU Horned Frogs.
The Broncos hopes rest squarely on junior quarterback Kellen Moore’s shoulders, as he finished with a school-record 39 touchdown passes last year and ranked second nationally in pass efficiency rating (161.65). His play earned him the distinction of being the WAC Offensive Player of the Year and first team All-American honors by CBS Sports and ESPN. In two seasons, Moore is 26-1 and has thrown 7,022 yards with 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Boise State is 2-0 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 the past two seasons and 17-6 ATS in all lined games over that span. The Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last five games in September and 4-1 ATS in their last five neutral site clashes.
Virginia Tech is receiving less attention then it normally would in a game like this, but the Hokies must be respected with a 16-7 record in season openers under head coach Frank Beamer. The Hokies are 148-123-19 in football games played at neutural sites, including an 11-14 mark under Beamer. It’s important to note that Tech is 0-3 when starting out the season on a neutral field with Beamer roaming the sidelines. The team has an incredible 58-8 SU record in September and 19-3 over the past five seasons during the month. Being an underdog isn’t a role the squad is use to very often, considering they are one of only two schools to have won 10 or more games in each of the last six seasons (Texas).
The Hokies traditionally showcase a top-flight defense, as the unit ranked ninth in average points allowed (15.6) and 11th in pass defense, giving up 167.1 yards per game with nine touchdowns. It will certainly be tested in losing seven starters from a 10-3 team that finished last year with a 37-14 win over Tennessee in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. With this uncertainty, senior quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be relied upon heavily in this contest. “I feel the same way with him out there as I did when Michael Vick was out there,” Beamer said. He currently ranks third on the active list in college football with 23 career victories. Virginia Tech is 6-3 ATS as an underdog over the past two years and 28-21 ATS in this role since 1992.
Bettors will have a touch choice to make in this contest, considering the Broncos are 2-0 ATS on a neutral field the last two years, while the Hokies stand at 2-0 ATS as a neutral field underdog of three points or less. If you do need advice we have currently released a premium pick on this football game. Maddux Sports has been hot to start the season picking 75% winners so far. You can get on board for this easy winner by visiting our winning college football picks page.
