No. 9 Miami Hurricanes at No. 13 Virginia Tech Hokies Preview

NCAA Football Betting Preview by Jay of Bangthebook.com
No. 9 Miami Hurricanes at No. 13 Virginia Tech Hokies
September 26th, 3:30PM Eastern

Diamond Sportsbook opening line – Miami -2, 46 O/U

The No. 13 Virginia Tech Hokies barely escaped a big battle with the Nebraska Cornhuskers last week as QB Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown to WR Dyrell Roberts with just under 30 seconds remaining in the game. The touchdown lifted the Hokies to a 16-15 victory over the No. 19 Cornhuskers and perhaps salvaged their season. If Virginia Tech would have loss, that would have been their second loss in their first three games after starting the season ranked as one of the top 10 teams in the country.

The Hokies have struggled to get the offensive production they desire, but are looking to turn the corner this week when the host the No. 9 Miami Hurricanes in a huge ACC colossal showdown.

The game could very well be an early season battle for two teams that could represent the ACC Coastal at seasons end to fight for a conference title. The Hurricanes emerged as the biggest surprise of any team in the country. The Hurricanes knocked off their rival Florida State in their opener and then dominated a top 15 ranked Georgia Tech team on the primetime stage again last Thursday. Miami has found all the faith in the world behind young quarterback Jacory Harris.

Harris is averaging over 300 yards per game through the air and his pinpoint accuracy has been difficult to defense. At this point in the season, there may be no other player performing as well as the Hurricanes new star at quarterback.

The Hokies offense also lies in the hands of their quarterback. Junior Tyrod Taylor has not had the type of production the Hokies offense needs with his arm this season. Taylor is completing less than 50 percent of his passes and is averaging just 114 yards per game through the air. Of course the Hokies passing game has not been the strength of the time, but rather the running game. Freshman Ryan Williams appears to be the solution. Williams has filled in nicely for the injured Darren Evans carrying the ball 50 times for 342 yards.

The young tailback is averaging over five yards per carry and the Hokies ability to run the ball must be productive if they are to beat the Hurricanes. Virginia Tech really needs to fin a way to get Taylor more involved in the offense. Last season, Taylor made big plays with his legs and did not have to throw the ball as much but that has not been the case this season as Taylor has just 10 yards of rushing on the season.

There have been a lot of people who have been quick to point out how the Hurricanes passing game appear to one of the best in the South. However, Jacory Harris has taken advantage of two very weak pass defenses in those contests. They will get their biggest test against the best secondary in the ACC this Saturday. The Hokies ranked 16th in the country in 2008 and they have held some solid teams to just 164 yards through the air per game. Will these veterans be able to stop the talented Miami wide outs? Considering Virginia Tech will be playing in Blacksburg, they should have the slight edge.

However, the must be able to get some pressure on Miami’s young quarterback and force him to make mistakes. If they can do that, and hand Ryan Williams the ball about 25-30 times then they can win the game. However if they allow Miami to score quickly, it puts the Hokies offense in a bind to try to match their speed of play.

Betting Trends: These ACC Coastal foes have nearly been equal with the Hokies winning just 9 of the last 17. Virginia Tech also has had the edge against the spread winning 12 of the last 17 overall and 6 of the last 8 in Blacksburg ATS.

College Football Pick

Miami beat the Hokies last year 16-14. The Hurricanes are better and the Hokies have taken a step back. Only thing that the Hokies have going for them is Blacksburg should be tough place to play. However, Miami should still pull it out. Take Miami -2