Virginia Tech vs. Duke Complete Game Preview

The Virginia Tech Hokies return to the field on Saturday as they head to Durham, North Carolina, to face No. 19 Duke.

The Hokies (4-5, 1-4 in conference play) are coming off three straight losses and are in danger of missing a bowl game for the first time since the 1992 season. 

The Blue Devils (8-1, 4-1 in conference play), the defending Coastal Division champions, appear poised to repeat last year's success.

Duke won last year's meeting, 13-10, thanks to several Virginia Tech turnovers. The Hokies won the previous 12 meetings and lead the all-time series, 13-8. 

• When: Saturday, November 15, 2014
• Where: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
• Time: Noon ET
• TV: ESPNU
• Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area.
• Spread: The Blue Devils are presently six-point favorites, via Odds Shark.

Virginia Tech Keys to Victory

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas

Force Turnovers

It has become quite apparent that the 2014 Virginia Tech defense isn't as strong as past years. Injuries have played a large part in Tech's defensive struggles. However, the Hokies have been particularly bad over the last month, especially against the run.

With an offense that is struggling, too, VT doesn't have an outstanding unit capable of bailing the other side of the ball out. Duke is a balanced running team, something the Hokies have struggled to stop recently, so it will provide a challenge for Tech's defensive front.

Defensive end Dadi Nicolas must get to Duke quarterback Anthony Boone in passing situations and help force a turnover or two. That presents Virginia Tech its best opportunity to beat Duke. 

Get Rid of the Ball Quickly

With right tackle Jonathan McLaughlin out for the remainder of the season, per Andy Bitter of The Roanoke Times, Tech will start the inexperienced Wade Hansen at right tackle. For an offensive line that has had its share of struggles this season, quarterback Michael Brewer could be in for another long day.

Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler must call his best game of the season in order for Tech to win. Not only will Virginia Tech likely struggle to run again, it will be short-handed on the offensive line without, perhaps, the unit's top player. 

So that means a lot of shorter routes, specifically to tight ends Bucky Hodges and Ryan Malleck. 

Duke Keys to Victory

Nick Lisi/Associated Press

Duke quarterback Anthony Boone

Run the Football

Duke enters this weekend's contest ranking No. 36 in rushing offense, averaging just under 200 yards per game. The Hokies are No. 70 versus the run. 

Virginia Tech has struggled to stop opposing quarterbacks who can run the ball. Duke has Anthony Boone, a solid and capable runner who can burn the Hokies defense. 

Duke has a host of strong runners who can wear down an opposing defense, and the Devils would be wise to stick with the run, even if it appears nothing is there early. 

Harass Michael Brewer

Virginia Tech has struggled to block for its quarterback and open running lanes this season. Tech's lack of running game has forced the Hokies to have to rely on Brewer to throw the ball more than the team would prefer. 

Duke would be wise to overload pass-rushers on the right side of Virginia Tech's offensive line and test Wade Hansen, who's making his first career start at right tackle. Hansen is a former defensive tackle who transferred to Virginia Tech from Division III Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute last year. 

How Duke pressures Brewer will be the matchup to watch. 

Virginia Tech Players to Watch

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Virginia Tech tight end Bucky Hodges

Quarterback Michael Brewer

Brewer has cut down on his interceptions over the last three games. After throwing 11 picks in his first six games, Brewer hasn't thrown a pick since. Unfortunately, it hasn't resulted in a Tech victory.

Part of Brewer's strength is his aggressiveness. That gets him in trouble at times, also making it his greatest weakness. If VT expects to win Saturday, it must be more aggressive down the field.

Brewer will not have a lot of time to throw, so the Hokies need to be selective when calling downfield shots. Tech's receivers can beat Duke's secondary. 

Tight End Bucky Hodges

The former quarterback has been one of Tech's best offensive players this season. One of the top athletes in the country, Hodges is a physical mismatch for any defender. Too athletic for linebackers and too big for defensive backs, the Hokies must find a way to get Hodges more involved—especially in the red zone.

Loeffler hasn't done a good job of keeping Hodges involved in the offense in recent weeks. 

Duke Players to Watch

Nick Lisi/Associated Press

Duke wide receiver Jamison Crowder

Quarterback Anthony Boone

Virginia Tech can't let Boone have a big rushing day. The linebackers must be disciplined or Boone will make several big plays with his feet.

For Duke coach David Cutcliffe, he must design plays for Boone with an option to keep the football or pass it. It will keep Virginia Tech's defense honest and present opportunities for big plays downfield. 

Wide Receiver Jamison Crowder

One of the best and most underrated pass-catchers in all of college football, the 5'9" Crowder is a big play waiting to happen. Look for Duke to get Crowder the ball several times and allow him room to run after the catch. 

Will Virginia Tech put star cornerback Kendall Fuller on Crowder? Defensive coordinator Bud Foster generally keeps his corners on one side versus allowing them to trail a specific player around the field. He could make an exception with Crowder. 

What They're Saying

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer will always say the right things. Whether it is about an opponent or an inexperienced player on his own team, Beamer is always full of praise. Regarding Wade Hansen, Beamer believes in him, per Norm Wood of the Daily Press:

"He's got toughness," said Beamer of Hansen. "He's got good athletic ability. One thing he doesn't have is experience, but I like toughness and I like good athletic ability."

Beamer also discussed this year's team and how he really likes the youth on the squad and how they've battled despite the ups and downs, per Bitter:

"

This team has given me no indication that says we’re not going to keep battling. We’re going to keep getting better, we’re going to keep working, we’re going to be as good as we can be. …

I like this group of kids. I think that they have done what we asked. I think they’ve practiced hard. They played hard. I don’t think frustrated is the right word.

"

Prediction

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

It's almost shocking that Virginia Tech is coming into this game as underdogs. The Hokies dominated the rivalry until last season, and even then, Duke needed several turnovers to pull off the upset.

This season, the Blue Devils are ranked, and the Hokies are battling to be bowl-eligible. 

While Duke enters the game at 8-1, it hasn't necessarily played a killer schedule. The Blue Devils got off to a 4-0 start by defeating Elon, Troy, Kansas and Tulane.

However, the Devils are one of the more well-coached teams in college football and are always prepared. The Hokies may have more talent than most, if not all, of the teams Duke has faced this season, but that means little at game time. 

This game will come down to the end with special teams playing a major role. Believe it or not, Tech has been better on the road this season, but it will come up just short on Saturday.

Prediction: Duke 24, Virginia Tech 20