Virginia Tech Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for 2013

Virginia Tech's 2012 season was its most disappointing in 20 years. The Hokies finished the season with a victory over Rutgers in the Russell Athletic Bowl to raise their record to 7-6. 

Last week's spring game brought back many ugly memories from 2012 for Hokie fans. The Hokies' offense was inept and the defense dominated from start to finish. 

Senior quarterback Logan Thomas threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Is it too early to begin worrying about Thomas and the offense?

Considering the Hokies open the 2013 season against defending-national champion Alabama, it is never too early to begin to worry for Virginia Tech faithful.

Do the Hokies have a chance against the Crimson Tide?

Here is a fun, and extremely early look at how the Hokies could fare in 2013. 

8/31/13 vs. Alabama (In Atlanta)

Alabama 20, Virginia Tech 10

The Hokies' stout defense will keep it close; however, the inability of their offensive line to create a running game will force Logan Thomas to carry the Hokies. Thomas will face consistent pressure all game and have multiple turnovers.

Good effort, but the Hokies will fall. 

9/7/13 vs. Western Carolina

Virginia Tech 38, Western Carolina 3

A good bounce-back game for the Hokies. The team needed an opponent the offense could get well on. The Catamounts, who were 1-10 in 2012, are just that team. 

The Hokies improve to 1-1 on the season. 

9/14/13 at East Carolina

Virginia Tech 35, East Carolina 17

The high-scoring Pirates have been a tough opponent for the Hokies in recent years. They finished 2012 with a record of 8-5 and will give the Hokies a tough game, but the overall talent disparity will be too much for East Carolina to overcome.

The Hokies are now 2-1.  

9/21/13 vs. Marshall

Virginia Tech 42, Marshall 13

The Hokies' final tune-up before ACC play is an easy win over the Thundering Herd.

Virginia Tech is now 3-1.  

9/26/13 at Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech 27, Georgia Tech 17

The Hokies head to Atlanta for the second time in less than a month—this time to face their conference rival.

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson's option offense has given the Hokies' defense fits at times. However, Bud Foster's group held the 'Jackets in check in the 2012 season-opener and will do the same in 2013. 

Virginia Tech moves to 4-1, 1-0 in the ACC. 

10/5/13 vs. North Carolina

North Carolina 27, Virginia Tech 20

The Tar Heels have one of the more explosive offensive units in the country. They gave the Hokies' defense fits in 2012 in a dominating win over in Chapel Hill. While this game will be close and could go either way, the advantage goes to the Tar Heels because their offense is better.

A tough loss at home drops the Hokies to 4-2, 1-1 in the ACC. 

10/12/13 vs. Pittsburgh

Virginia Tech 21, Pittsburgh 13

The Panthers dominated the Hokies like no other team in 2012. They threw and ran on the Hokies easily in what was one of the more forgettable defensive performances in recent Virginia Tech history.

Quarterback Tino Sunseri returns for the Panthers, but several of the offensive weapons that gave the Hokies trouble in 2012 do not. This game will be close to the end.

The Hokies improve to 5-2, 2-1 in the league. 

10/26/13 vs. Duke

Virginia Tech 38, Duke 14

The Blue Devils have improved steadily since David Cutcliffe took over as head coach several years ago. However, they have been unable to derail the Hokies. After a week off, the Hokies will throttle the Blue Devils in Blacksburg.

The Hokies are now 6-2, 3-1 in league play. 

11/2/13 at Boston College

Virginia Tech 19, Boston College 10

This game will be much closer than people realize. The Eagles have long been a tough opponent for the Hokies, dating back to their Big East days.

The Hokies' defense is just too tough for the Eagles.

The Hokies improve to 7-2, 4-1 in the ACC. 

11/9/13 at Miami

Miami 21, Virginia Tech 17

The Hokies have had the upper hand in this rivalry for quite some time, although the Hurricanes did pull out a close win in 2012 behind super freshman Duke Johnson. Look for Johnson to be the difference here as the 'Canes win it late.

The Hokies drop to 7-3 overall, 4-2 in the conference. 

11/16/13 vs. Maryland

Virginia Tech 31 Maryland 10

These teams haven't played in several years—fortunately for the Terrapins. The Hokies will be fired up as they return to Lane Stadium after a close loss at Miami the week before. The Hokies will control this game from the start, thanks to an improving running game. 

The Hokies head to Charlottesville to close out the 2013 regular season 8-3, 5-2 in the ACC. 

11/30/13 at Virginia

Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 14

The battle for the Commonwealth Cup has been anything but a competition over the past decade. The Hokies have won the past nine meetings between the rivals, and that will not change in 2013. 

The Hokies finish 2013 with a record of 9-3, 6-2 in the ACC. They will compete in the ACC championship game the following week against either Clemson or Florida State.