Virginia Tech Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Rest of the Season

Don't look now, but the Virginia Tech Hokies are a Top 10 team.

Frank Beamer's team is ranked No. 10 in the latest BCS rankings. This is the Hokies' first appearance in the Top 10 of the BCS standings since the 2007 season.

How will Virginia Tech handle its high ranking? Will the Hokies make an ACC Championship run? What about a BCS Bowl?

We will tackle those questions and more in our post-bye predictions for Virginia Tech. 

November 10: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

It will take Virginia Tech's best shot to win this Thursday night showdown in Atlanta.

Georgia Tech is coming off an impressive win over Clemson, knocking off the last of the undefeated in the ACC. In their best performance of the season, the Yellow Jackets held Clemson to its lowest total of the season in a 31-17 victory.

The Hokies are coming off a lackluster game versus Duke and were glad to have a bye week with numerous injuries plaguing the defense.

Paul Johnson's triple-option attack has always given Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster fits. In the teams' last three meetings, the outcome has been decided by a combined 15 points.

Expect a tight, physical game. The Jackets will take advantage of the Hokies' injuries on defense and win by a touchdown.

Georgia Tech 31, Virginia Tech 24 

November 17: North Carolina Tar Heels

Virginia Tech will look to avoid a two-game skid against Georgia Tech and North Carolina for the second time in the last three years.

The Tar Heels have lost three of four, dropping to 2-4 in the ACC. Last week, North Carolina was shutout by North Carolina State.

The defense is led by future NFL draft picks Zach Brown and Quinton Coples. Despite overwhelming talent, the Tar Heel defense is responsible for allowing 24 points per game, including 59 against Clemson.

Both teams are inconsistent, which could make for an exciting game. The Hokies are tough to beat on Thursday nights in Lane Stadium and will prevail against North Carolina.

Virginia Tech 27, North Carolina 14 

November 26: Virginia

Virginia Tech has defeated Virginia seven consecutive times in the Battle for the Commonwealth Cup.

However, the Cavaliers are closing the gap on their rivals to the west. Coach Mike London's staff out-recruited the Hokies for many top-notch Virginia recruits during the last offseason. Virginia is anxious to balance out the one-sided rivalry that has characterized the series in recent years.

The Hokies better not overlook Virginia in this one. Tech will have 11 days to zero in on an up-and-coming program that has already knocked off Georgia Tech.

Look for another close game, not unlike many Tech has played this season, with the Hokies pulling out their eighth consecutive win over the Cavaliers.

Virginia Tech 26, Virginia 24 

December 31: Hyundai Sun Bowl

By virtue of its loss to Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech will miss out on a ticket to the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte.

As a consolation prize, the Hokies will make their first appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl as an ACC member on New Year's Eve in El Paso, Texas.

According to ESPN Bowl Projections, Tech would likely face off against a Pac-12 opponent. Possibilities would likely include either UCLA or Utah.

Virginia Tech will have a chance to avenge its poor performance against Stanford by facing off against another Pac-12 team.

Look for a sloppy shootout in Texas, with Virginia Tech pulling out the win.

Virginia Tech 38, UCLA 34 

Offseason Outlook

The Hokies will finish the 2011 season with an impressive 11-2 record. Tech's nation-best streak of 10-win seasons will stand strong after the bowl season.

Next, Frank Beamer and crew will turn an eye toward spring practice and beyond. Virginia Tech will have two stars who could conceivably depart early for the 2012 NFL draft.

David Wilson and Jayron Hosley will have the options of declaring early. Odds are that Wilson will stay for his senior season, and Hosley will enter and become an early-round pick.

Tech will also look to groom quarterback Logan Thomas further during the offseason and improve his consistency.

Recruiting will also be something to keep an eye on. With Shane Beamer on staff, the Hokies are beginning to acquire talented players from outside Virginia.

Expectations will again be high for the Hokies in 2012. Especially if Virginia Tech can finish out this season strong.

Should be fun to watch.