NCAAF Picks: The Virginia Tech Hokies 35-21 upset win at Ohio State has proven to be an aberration instead of a portent of things to come. The Hokies have been decimated by a lengthy injury list that has depleted depth. The Miami Hurricanes also have a depth problem due to NCAA sanctions that cost them scholarships. Because of this, the program continues to fall short of expectations that may have been unrealistically high.
The Hokies will host the Hurricanes at Lane Stadium on Thursday night with coverage on ESPN starting at 8 PM ET.
Consistently Inconsistent Offense
Virginia Tech’s problem continues to be an offense that remains utterly unreliable. Virginia Tech ranks 83rd in the nation for total offense and 79th for scoring offense . The defense remains solid and ranks 20th overall. The Hokies are 4-3 straight up, 3-4 against the spread, and 2-4 under the total. The latest Virginia Tech debacle was a 21-16 loss at Pittsburgh last week.
Al not Golden
Miami is 4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS, and 3-4 under the total. Head coach Al Golden is beginning to feel the heat from frustrated Miami fans stuck on memories of a generation ago instead of the realities of today. Golden stuck it out with “The U” despite not being told about the possibility of scholarship reductions when he took the job. Miami has shown improvement on offense to rank 22nd in the nation but is paying the price of playing a true freshman QB in Brad Kaaya and ranks 55th for total offense.
Matchup and Pick
Virginia Tech has been a poor betting value at home with just three payouts in their last 11 games at Lane Stadium with eight out of their last 12 home games going under the total.
Miami has been just as ineffective on the road however with just two payouts in their last nine away matchups with five out of their last eight road games going under the total.
The Hokies scored a 42-24 payout at Miami last year as the game soared over the total of 43.5. The Hokies have covered 14 out of their last 19 against Miami with seven out of the last 10 meetings in this series going under the total. We’ll call for Virginia Tech and under the total!.
