College Football Week 1 Predictions: West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech 9/3/17
Is Virginia Tech a good bet to beat West Virginia as a favorite tonight at 7:30PM ET?
The Matchup: West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech, 7:30PM ET, FedEx Field
According to oddsmakers, the Hokies are 5-point favorites for tonight. They opened as a 3-point favorite. As for the total, the number hit the board at 53. That said, that number has been bet down to 52.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Under Dana Holgorsen, the Mountaineers are 46-31 over the past six seasons. The team is coming off a 10-3 finish in 2016. Although they’re projected to struggle to win six games in 2017.
West Virginia’s biggest strength is at the running back position, where the team is three-deep thanks to Justin Crawford, Kennedy McKoy and Martell Pettaway. That said, the defense could be a big problem this year, specifically along the defensive line and at cornerback. The depth along the offensive line could also be problematic.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies finished 10-4 in Justin Fuente’s first season in Blacksburg. While they might not reach double-digit victories for a second straight year, Virginia Tech shouldn’t have any issues qualifying for a bowl this season.
Virginia Tech remains stout defensively, especially in the back seven thanks to linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safeties Terrell Edmunds and Mook Reynolds. Where the questions lie are on offense, where the quarterback and receiving corps are dangerously inexperienced.
Our Prediction
The Mountaineers are just 2-5 against the spread dating back to last season. They’ve also struggled againts the ACC and in non-conference games in general. They’re 6-15 against the spread in their last 21 games versus the ACC and 1-4 at the betting window in their last five games out of conference.
On the other side, the Hokies are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last four games dating back to last season. While they could struggle initially offensively, their defense should keep them in the game throughout until they can pull away in the end.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Virginia Tech Hokies -5
