Miami (FL) vs. Virginia Tech: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Virginia Tech Hokies will try to redeem their home field when they host the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon. 

The Hokies were thrashed a week ago by the Clemson Tigers, and if they want to continue their quest for the ACC Championship game, then they have beat the Hurricanes.  

The Hurricanes have struggled to put points on the board the last two times they faced the Hokies, and they couldn't really stop them either, having been outscored 62-24 in the last two years. 

Will the Hurricanes get spoil Virginia Tech's hopes and get redemption? Or will the Hokies prove why they were a top-25 team in the first place? 

Neither team wants to suffer another conference lost, so expect a tough game. With that said, let's dig into some specifics about this ACC Coastal showdown. 

When: Saturday, Oct. 8 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA

Watch: ABC, ESPN, ESPN3.com 

Spread 

Once again, the Hokies are favored by a touchdown at home, which didn't work out so well for them a this past week. I think the Hokies will score more than three points this week, but the Hurricanes will keep this game close.

They're playing a new level of football under Al Golden, and they'll prevent the Hokies from covering the spread on Saturday, which is nothing new considering Virginia Tech has yet to win against the spread the last four weeks.   

Over/Under

The over/under for this ACC matchup is set at 44 1/2. Take the under here because the Hurricanes and Hokies have played the under six out of eight times this year.

In fact, the Hokies haven't gone over at all this season. It's clear they're not going to put up as many points as years past because the offense is still figuring itself out. 

Key Injuries 

Hokies starting quarterback Logan Thomas (shoulder) is expected to play, but his injury affected the play-calling a week ago, according to a FOX Sports report. Wide receiver Marcus Davis (foot) is hoping to play, but defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins (knee) is out for the season. 

The Hurricanes senior linebacker Ramon Buchanan (knee) is out for the season, and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (ankle and leg) is questionable for Saturday's game. 

BCS/Top 25 Implications 

The Hokies are currently the No. 21 team in the country, but should they suffer their second straight loss, they will definitely be out of the top 25.

Virginia Tech needs to win this weekend, or they can kiss any shot of the BCS goodbye. Miami, on the other hand, needs a victory to have chance of cracking the Top 25 at some point this season.

Keys to Miami Win 

The Hurricanes cannot turn the ball over; otherwise, the loud crowd in Lane Stadium will get to them, and all hope will be lost. Miami will also have to find a way to slow down David Wilson, who has rushed for over 100 yards in four out of five games this year.

Virginia Tech will be better this week, and the Hokies will definitely make the most of their opportunities with the ball, which is why Miami has to hang on to it.  

They must also continue to give the ball to Lamar Miller, and all will be well for the Hurricanes on Saturday. 

Keys to Virginia Tech Win 

Let David Wilson run the ball 25 times, and he should rack up over 100 yards with no problem. The Hurricanes have given up more than 200 yards rushing in the last two games. 

Wilson has carried the ball 107 times for 639 yards and five touchdowns. He's a quick and strong running back that is evasive and tough to bring down. 

Virginia Tech has to get out to a strong start, or else, much like last week, they'll pay for it. 

Prediction 

Miami's defense has come through big time once this season, and it needs to happen again on Saturday. Wilson will be tough to stop, and Thomas should play better than he did last week. 

I expect this game to be close because of a lot of mistakes early in the game. Costly penalties and turnovers will plague both teams, but in the end, the Hokies will liberate their fanbase of the pain they caused them last week. 

Virginia Tech 24, Miami 17