Virginia Tech vs. Duke Prediction
Can No. 22 Duke continue its perfect start to 2018 when it plays host to Virginia Tech this Saturday at 7PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, September 29, 2018
7PM ET – Wallace Wade Stadium
TV: ESPN2
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Duke is favored at home in this game, as the Blue Devils are getting odds of -5 points against Virginia Tech. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 49.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 52 percent going on Virginia Tech on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Hokies stunned by Old Dominion
The Virginia Tech Hokies were off to a 2-0 start to the season and then got stunned in a road trip to Old Dominion last week, 49-35. Tech is now 2-1 overall, 2-1 against the spread and 2-1 with the over.
Tech has been rolling on offense despite the loss last week. The Hokies are putting up 40.3 points and 501.7 yards per game thus far. Josh Jackson had thrown for 575 yards and five touchdowns, but suffered a broken left fibula that will put him out indefinitely. Ryan Willis steps in and he has thrown for 195 yards and a touchdown this year. Tech still has a steady ground game with Steven Peoples and Deshawn McClease combining for 422 yards and five scores. Defensively, Tech is giving up 23 points and 408.3 yards per game. Their pass defense has been quite suspect, allowing 320 yards per game through the air.
Duke shocking the nation
Somewhat similar to what it has done years before, Duke is surprising many with a 4-0 start to the season that includes wins at Northwestern and Baylor. The Blue Devils are 3-1 against the spread and 3-1 with the over. Duke has covered in six of its last seven games as a program.
Duke has a defense that has been locking up opponents, allowing 15.3 points and 333.3 yards per contest. On offense, Duke is averaging 37.5 points and 427.3 yards per contest. The Blue Devils have a great ground game with four players over 100 yards. Brittain Brown and Deon Jackson have combined for 505 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Daniel Jones has thrown for 389 yards and four touchdowns, but is on the shelf with a broken clavicle. Quentin Harris has filled in nicely for his, throwing for 388 yards and six touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 11-5 against the spread in its last 16 games on grass but just 2-5 ATS in its last seven road games.
Duke
Duke has covered the spread in five straight against a team with a winning record and is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 home games.
Prediction:
Virginia Tech has won three of its last four against Duke, including two on the road, but I think the loss of Josh Jackson is definitely going to be a problem. The Hokies won’t be as explosive on offense and should struggle on the road against a good Duke offense. The Hokies were exposed defensively last week and Harris has proven to be comfortable running the Duke offense despite being in the backup role.
College Football Prediction: Duke -5