College Football Betting Preview: A look at Virginia Tech-Miami(FL)

Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami (Florida) Hurricanes, Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
Saturday, November 20, 2010, 3:30 pm Eastern, TV: ESPN
Opening Line: Virginia Tech -1 1/2
Current Line: Virginia Tech -2
Opening Total: 50
Current Total: 50
Money line: Virginia Tech -130 / Miami +110

Virginia Tech is a 2 point favorite on the road at arch-rival Miami this weekend.

After 2 straight losses to start the season, Virginia Tech has reeled off 8 straight victories to establish themselves as the class of the ACC. The Hokies are undefeated in conference play and every other team in the conference has at least 2 conference losses. The Hokies can wrap up the ACC’s Coastal division title for the 3rd time in 4 years with a victory over long time rival Miami on Saturday. Miami is 7-3 with a 5-2 conference record. They need to beat Virginia Tech and hope Virginia upsets the Hokies next week to go to the ACC title game. Miami is trying to avenge a humiliating 31-7 loss last year at Blacksburg. The Hokies have gone 8-1 ATS against the Canes in the last 9 meetings, and 6 of the last 7 meetings have gone under the total.

Virginia Tech is outscoring its opponents 35-19 for the year. they are gaining 414 yards a game including 218 yards on the ground. The Hokies are only giving up 343 yards a game. They have forced 26 sacks and have a turnover margin of +10 mainly due to 16 interceptions by the Hokie secondary. The offense is led by dual threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor has almost 2,600 combined passing and rushing yards, with 21 touchdowns (18 passing) and only 4 interceptions for the season. Jarrett Boykin is the top receiver for the Hokies with 39 catches, 656 yards, and 5 touchdown catches.) However, 4 other Hokie receivers have at least 15 catches and a touchdown. Tight end Andre Smith only has 16 catches but 5 of those are for touchdowns. Besides Taylor, Darren Evans (106 carries, 605 yards, and 9 TD runs), David Wilson (74, 462, and 4) and Ryan Williams (74, 262, 5) split most of the carries.

Miami is expected to be without starting quarterback Jacory Harris for a third straight game. Harris is recovering from a concussion and is officially listed as questionable, so he could play but it isn’t likely. Freshman Stephen Morris will make his 3rd straight start if Harris can’t go. Virginia Tech is preparing for both quarterbacks. Morris has thrown for 678 yards, 4 touchdowns and 4 picks on the season. Morris also has a rushing TD. The top receiver is Leonard Hankerson who has 51 catches, 879 yards and 11 TD catches. The Canes rush for over 185 yards a game led by Damien Berry who has 157 carries, 763 yards, and 5 touchdown runs. Lamar Miller and Mike James get significant carries as well and both have multiple touchdown runs. The Hurricanes are outscoring their opponents by an average of 29-18, and outgaining them 425 to 314 yards a game. Miami has a turnover margin of +3 but the Hurricanes have thrown 18 interceptions on the season. they have forced 29 sacks on the season. Miami does give up 71 yards in penalties per game so that might hurt them against Virginia Tech.

Regardless of who takes the snaps for Miami, they must protect the ball better. If they don’t then it could be a long day for them against a talented Virginia Tech team who is slowly climbing back towards the top ten.