Virginia Tech’s game against Miami (Fla.) on Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg is a hold-your-nose special.
Virginia Tech is coming off an embarrassing loss last weekend against Liberty (Side note: Do not call a timeout to “ice” a kicker before a 59-yard field goal attempt). Miami is cruising along and hoping to reach the ACC Championship.
Why are the Hokies a two-point favorite against a Top-10 team after losing at home to Liberty? I don’t know if you will find more than a handful of people who will be backing Virginia Tech.
Another big question about Virginia Tech is the status of RB Khalil Herbert. Herbert hurt his hamstring early in the Hokies’ loss to Liberty and did not return to action. Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente told reporters this week, “I don’t know if he’ll be available or not.”
Among those who have played five games, Herbert leads the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 178.1. Only Clemson RB Travis Etienne has more all-purpose yards than Herbert. If available, Herbert should have a big day against the Miami defense.
Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker rushed for 156 yards against Liberty with Herbert sidelined. The Hokies lead the ACC with 277.4 rushing yards per game.
QB D’Eriq King has delivered in a big way for Miami since transferring from Houston. King accounted for 535 total yards and threw five touchdowns in the Hurricanes’ 44-41 win over North Carolina State last weekend. Outside of Clemson, not many teams have been able to hold King down this season. The Hokies are 12th in the ACC in yards allowed per game (460.7).
There don’t seem to be many reasons to pick Virginia Tech, but I anticipate the Hokies will come out with a sense of desperation. With another loss, Fuente’s job could be on the line. Miami, on the other hand, took a punch to the gut when Notre Dame defeated Clemson. The Hurricanes’ chances of reaching the ACC Championship shortened because of the Fighting Irish’s upset victory.
The pick: Virginia Tech, -2
Nuggets and notes
— With Wednesday night’s spread cover in a 38-31 loss at Ball State as an 8.5-point road underdog, Eastern Michigan improved to 19-3 ATS in its last 22 games as a road underdog. Bettors have no excuse to not back the Eagles every time they’ve got a plus next to their name in a road game.
— For those like me holding Over 8.5 season-win total tickets on Alabama, there are scenarios in which these wagers won’t become “no-plays” or pushes (because Alabama doesn’t get all 10 scheduled games in). Though LSU doesn’t have an available date to play host to the Crimson Tide, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has said that games can be moved around. In other words, the league can take teams that aren’t in the mix to make the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 19, such as LSU, and have them play on that same day against other teams that aren’t threats to make it to Atlanta. Look for a new date for Alabama at LSU, with one of LSU’s games moved to Dec. 19.
