Virginia Tech vs. Virginia: Complete Game Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies (5-6, 3-4 ACC) head north to Charlottesville on Saturday to face in-state rival Virginia in head coach Frank Beamer's final regular-season game.
It's the 97th installment in the battle for the Commonwealth Cup, with the Hokies leading the series, 54-37-5.
For the Hokies, a win makes them bowl-eligible for the 23rd consecutive season. Officially, that is the nation's longest current streak.
On the other side, Virginia (4-7, 3-4 ACC) looks to finish the season with a two-game winning streak and a little positive momentum heading into 2016. And, of course, spoiling Beamer's final game would give UVA bragging rights for the foreseeable future.
The Hokies have won the past 11 meetings and 15 of 16 in this rivalry. Virginia Tech defeated Virginia last season, 24-20, on a last-second drive to become bowl-eligible.
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2015
- Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Time: Noon ET
- TV: ESPNU
- Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area.
- Spread: The Hokies are 3.5-point favorites, via Odds Shark.
Virginia Tech's Players to Watch
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Running Back Travon McMillian
Redshirt freshman running back Travon McMillian is one big game away from 1,000 yards rushing on the season. For a player who didn't become the full-time back until early October, that's an impressive feat. In his last six starts, McMillian averaged 110 yards rushing per game.
The Hokies must get McMillian the football early in this game. Virginia is a team Tech can run against. The Cavaliers are allowing 164 yards rushing per game and almost five yards per carry. A big game from McMillian will make things much easier for quarterback Michael Brewer.
Tight End Bucky Hodges
At 6'7", 241 pounds, Hodges is an instant mismatch for the opposition. And Hodges doesn't run like a typical tight end. The sophomore has legitimate 4.4 speed. Opposing defenses have done a good job this season of double-teaming Hodges and forcing VT's quarterbacks to go away from him.
The Hokies must force the ball to Hodges. Whether it's on slip screens, curls or even downfield shots, Hodges should be heavily involved in the Hokies' game plan.
Hodges scored the game-winning touchdown in last season's Virginia Tech win to put the Hokies in a bowl. Will history repeat itself?
Virginia's Players to Watch
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Wide Receiver Canaan Severin
Running back Taquan Mizzell is UVA's leading receiver with 68 receptions on the season. However, it's senior wide receiver Canaan Severin who's Virginia's top receiver.
Severin has 51 receptions for 713 yards and seven scores on the season. For a team that is often inept on offense, those are strong numbers. Severin has a big body (6'2", 205 lbs) and could give Virginia Tech's young secondary some trouble. Brandon Facyson, the Hokies' top corner, suffered a leg injury in the loss to North Carolina, and his availability is not yet known.
Whether Facyson plays or not, the Cavs should get Severin involved in the action.
Safety Quin Blanding
Blanding is one of the top safeties in the country, but you don't hear a lot about him because of Virginia's constant struggles. The 6'2" sophomore free safety can do everything well. He's second on the team in tackles and possesses the range of a cornerback in the passing game.
That's why he should see plenty of Hodges.
Blanding is strong enough to jam Hodges at the line of scrimmage and force him to reroute, therefore disrupting the timing of Tech's passing game. He's also fast enough to run with Hodges.
This matchup should be fun to watch.
Virginia Tech Keys to Victory
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Help Brewer with the Running Game
Brewer isn't afraid to take chances with the football. Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler needs to get McMillian and Sam Rogers going in the running game. That should give Brewer some high-percentage throws to Hodges and Isaiah Ford.
If the running game is going strong, it will allow Brewer a chance to find one of his big-play threats down the field. On the season, VT doesn't have a lot of big plays in the passing game, but Brewer will look to take shots. If Tech can get Virginia to bring an extra defender into the box, the Hokies could have a big day passing the football.
Get a Pass Rush
Dadi Nicolas is suspended for the first half after his contact with an official last week. Vinny Mihota will likely start in his place, per Norm Wood of the Daily Press. In theory, this is a big blow Tech's pass rush. However, Nicolas has just one sack on the season.
Mihota (6'5", 270 lbs) is much bigger than Nicolas (6'3", 223 lbs) and could provide a spark. He is, after all, playing with two healthy hands—unlike Nicolas.
If the Hokies pressure Matt Johns consistently, he will make mistakes. He's thrown 15 interceptions on the season.
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Virginia Keys to Victory
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Force Turnovers and Turn Them into Points
If Virginia expects to beat the Hokies, it will need to create some turnovers and take advantage of them. That's not necessarily something the Cavs have consistently done. Brewer will give Virginia some opportunities, as he isn't afraid to take some chances in coverage.
Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta should have a heavy blitz package ready for the Hokies' maligned offensive line. Left tackle Jonathan McLaughlin has sometimes struggled with speed rushers, leading to some big shots on Brewer.
Be Aggressive on Offense
Mizzell is the type of back who can break a big play every time he touches the ball. He had an impressive 80-yard catch-and-run earlier this season and is a terrific receiver out of the backfield. UVA should move Mizzell around, including using him on jet sweeps and lining him up in the slot. It will force the Hokies to account for him on every snap, conceivably opening up opportunities elsewhere for the Cavaliers.
Virginia has shown a tendency to be more aggressive this season. Expect that to continue with Mike London coaching for his job.
What They're Saying
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Virginia Tech
One of the big reasons for Virginia Tech's success over the years is the consistency of the coaching staff under Beamer. While some coaches have changed in recent years, longtime assistants Bud Foster, Charley Wiles, Bryan Stinespring, Torrian Gray and Beamer's son, Shane, are among those whose fate has yet to be determined.
That's not lost on Beamer, according to Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times.
“Trust me, I put a lot of thought into the decision before I ever made it because I knew it wasn’t just me and my family,” Beamer said. “There’s nine coaches there that I’m concerned about.”
Virginia
While there's been a lot of talk about London's future with Virginia, it's business as usual around Charlottesville. London, at least publicly, isn't letting the talk get to him, per Andrew Ramspacher of the Daily Progress.
“All my focus has been on is this game,” London said. “We’ll talk about the season after the season.”
Prediction
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This is a no-brainer, right?
The Hokies own the Cavaliers, so why should this season be any different?
Well, UVA would love nothing more than to not only end Virginia Tech's bowl streak, but to send the beloved Beamer out with a loss in Charlottesville.
Will it happen?
Don't bet on it.
This one will be close, as the Wahoos have proven to be competitive in recent weeks. Much like last year, the game will be decided in the final quarter, and the Hokies have been in a few of those recently. McMillian's legs and some clutch throws from Brewer will be just enough to send Virginia Tech bowling for the 23rd consecutive season.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 21, Virginia 16
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