Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Odds: Analysis and Prediction

Virginia Tech owns the recent rivalry with ACC foe Miami, winning eight of the last 11 meetings straight up, including a 42-24 victory last year, going 8-3 against the spread in the process. In a game matching two teams who can ill afford another conference loss, the Hokies host the Hurricanes Thursday night in Blacksburg.

Point spread: Hokies opened as two-point favorites at Lane Stadium, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick via Odds Shark computer: 34.1-30.7 Hurricanes

Why the Miami Hurricanes can cover the spread

The Hurricanes picked up a 55-34 nonconference victory over Cincinnati two weeks ago, covering as 16-point favorites, then had last week off. Miami racked up 621 yards of offense—335 on the ground—as both Duke Johnson (162 on just 10 carries) and freshman Joseph Yearby (113 on eight attempts) hit the century mark rushing.

The win and the ground-game production came as welcome reversals of the previous week's loss to Georgia Tech in which the 'Canes were held to 107 yards rushing. Miami has already lost two ACC games this season; if the Hurricanes want to play in the ACC Championship Game, they'll probably have to win them all from here on out, starting Thursday night.

Why the Virginia Tech Hokies can cover the spread

The Hokies had won two games in a row but took a tough loss at Pitt last week by a score of 21-16. Tech got within five points with five minutes to go but couldn’t quite complete the comeback. Junior quarterback Michael Brewer threw for 265 yards and, most importantly, did not throw an interception after tossing at least one pick in each of the first six games.

The Hokies had outgained their previous three opponents, including Georgia Tech and North Carolina, until getting outgained by the Panthers by 40 yards. As usual, Virginia Tech doesn't impress offensively, but it ranks 20th in the country in total defense and 30th vs. the run. Virginia Tech also owns two ACC losses already, so it's almost win-or-die for the Hokies, as well, when it comes to the divisional race.

Smart Pick

This game is a total toss-up; the teams are equal on many levels, and both teams are a bit banged up. In the end, the team that runs the ball more effectively and doesn't turn it over will probably win and cover. And the smart pick believes that, at the moment, Miami has the better chance of doing so this weekend.

Betting trends

• Miami is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games on the road
• Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last five games when playing Miami

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.