Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Virginia Tech Hokies, Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Saturday, October 16, 2010, 3:30 pm Eastern, TV: ESPN U
Opening line: Virginia Tech -22 1/2
Current Line: Virginia Tech -22 1/2
Opening Total: 57 1/2
Current Total: 56 1/2
Money Line: Virginia Tech -1700 / Wake +1100
These two teams are headed in opposite directions. Coach Jim Grobe’s Wake Forest team started off 2-0 but has lost 4 in a row. Coach Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech Hokies were 0-2 and have won 4 straight since then. The Hokies are 2-0 in conference while Wake is 1-2 in the ACC. The Hokies have done well on grass since 1992 going 100-71 ATS, and have also done well with six days or fewer rest in the same time period going 81-52. The Hokies are good at building streaks as they are 67-45 ATS after 2 or more straight up wins.
It really isn’t hard to see why Wake Forest has lost 4 games in a row. the defense is among the worst in the nation giving up just over 35 points a game and 429 yards a game. They are especially vulnerable against the run giving up just under 200 yards a game. The secondary isn’t much better as they have given up 17 passing touchdowns. The Offense is fine and scoring almost 30 points a game. They are gaining 358 yards a game mostly on the ground as the Deacons rush for 199 yards a game. Six Wake players have at least 15 carries, over a hundred yards and 2 touchdowns runs. One of those players is quarterback Ted Stachitas who is out with a back injury. True freshman Tanner Price has done well with both his arms and legs replacing Stachitas. He has thrown for 631 yards 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in a couple of games replacing Stachitas. He was brilliant last week in a 28-27 loss to Navy, throwing for 326 yards 2 touchdowns and he ran for another score. Price has 163 yards rushing and 3 touchdown runs. The top receivers are Chris Givens, Devon Brown, and Marshall Williams.
Last week Virginia Tech defeated Central Michigan 45-21 as the should have. But that was not the story of the game. Hokie offensive lineman Greg Nosal injured his finger in the second quarter between two football helmets while he was blocking. he noticed blood seeping out of his glove, but as an offensive lineman is used to being cut. he didn’t think anything of it until he went to the sidelines and the Virginia Tech trainers looked on is horror as they realized the tip of his index finger was missing! Nosal found the tip of the finger in his glove and the trainers told him they could reattach it. he told them to put it on ice and played until the 4th quarter when the Hokies had the game well in hand. Doctors wer able to reattach the tip and he will play this week against Wake. Virginia Tech is outgaining opponents 384-356 and outscoring them 33-22. The Hokies have forced 16 sacks and 11 turnovers. The Hokies are especially dangerous on the ground rushing for over 211 yards a game. The offense is led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor who is the teams leading passer and rusher. Taylor has almost 1,500 all-purpose yards, and has accounted for 11 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Though running backs Darren Evans, David Wilson, and Ryan Williams all have at least 45 carries and 3 touchdown runs. Wideout Jarrett Boykin is the top receiver with 21 catches, 407 yards and 4 TD’s. Tight End Andre Smith has only 8 catches but three were for touchdowns.
The Hokie defense is strong agaisnt the run giving up only 123 yards a game. If Wake Forest wants to pull off the huge upset and end their losing streak, they will have to find a way to penetrate the Hokie front seven. That might not even be enough if they don’t improve on defense and find a way to contain Tyrod Taylor.
This game looks like a total pass as we made the line 21.5 which isn’t too far off the current number. We have much better opinions on the Saturday slate of games including a rare 20 unit play. You can get this winner by visiting the college football betting picks page and start your Saturday off with an easy winner.
