No. 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers at No. 13 Virginia Tech Hokies

NCAA Football Betting Preview by Jay of BangThebook.com
Saturday September 19th, 3:30PM Eastern

Diamond sportsbook betting line – Virginia Tech -5, 51 O/U

The Virginia Tech Hokies have already been featured in one of the biggest out of conference games of the season when they battled Alabama on opening weekend.

Unfortunately the Hokies could not take down the Crimson Tide, but they will get their chance to take down another extremely prestigious program when they host Nebraska in Blacksburg this Saturday. The Cornhuskers finally got their program out of the depths of the Big 12 last year going 9-4.

Nebraska is seeking their first 10 win season since the 2003 campaign and many are excited to see the Cornhuskers climbing the rankings once again.

Nebraska has dominated in their first two games over inferior opponents winning by a combined score of 87-12. However, they will have a much more difficult task racking up points against the Hokies defense this weekend.

Virginia Tech bounced back from their week one loss by crushing Marshall 52-10. It will be interesting to see if the Hokies offense can continue to fire on all cylinders when Nebraska comes rolling to town.

The Cornhuskers have founds loads on confidence in quarterback Zac Lee.

The talented junior has already thrown for 550 plus yards while completing 73 percent of his passes in two games to account for six total touchdowns. The passing game will play big roles this Saturday.

The Hokies defense is extremely strong, especially up front, and if there is any portion of the unit that is vulnerable it's the secondary. Virginia Tech had trouble stopping deep passes against Alabama and that is exactly what Lee will be trying to do this Saturday.

Also, the Cornhuskers receiving core is pretty talented as well. Lee spreads the ball around making it hard to key in on any playmaker.

Keep your eye on Mike McNeil as he is the most experienced playmaker. However receivers Curenski Gilleylen, Menelik Holt, and Niles Paul will all receive plenty of balls thrown their way. Roy Helu Jr is an established back, but just not certain he will be as big of a factor against the Hokies defense.

If the Cornhuskers are to continue their rise back to fame it will be done behind the arm of Lee.

Virginia Tech still suffers from the pre-season loss of running back Darren Evans. The Hokies running game was just not effective when they took on the tough Alabama defense. The Hokies got big games from tailbacks Ryan Williams and freshman David Olson in their blowout over Marshall.

However, those big gains will be much more difficult against a big defensive line. Tyrod Taylor remains the biggest threat to the Hokies offense.

Taylor is throwing just 50 percent completion on the year for a mere 250 yards. Taylor has the ability to be more effective with his legs, but has yet to do any damage this season.

Until Taylor is able to start making plays with his arms, teams will continue to key down on the run. However, teams still have to respect Taylor’s speed and quickness. The Hokies offense has got to have some confidence after racking up a lucrative 605 yards of total offense last week.

However if the rushing game fails to perform, can the Hokies win the game through the air?

The game will be highlighted by two very talented defenses.

Virginia Tech is very fast and strong, especially up front. They must be able to get pressure on Zac Lee and prevent the Cornhuskers quarterback from taking time to check all of his targets.

If they can continue to make the pocket collapsing, the Virginia Tech defense will make plays needed to win. Nebraska’s defense simply needs to put eight guys in the box and stop the run.

The Cornhuskers should beg Taylor to beat them with his arm before than take eight guys out of the box. The ACC has not performed well this year with out of conference games and if the trend continues Nebraska could pull off a big victory for their program in a hostile environment.

Pick – Defense will keep the game from being a shootout. Take the Under 51