College Football Predictions: Is 9 wins too high for Virginia Tech? 8/9/17

Virginia Tech Win-Total Pick

Will the Virginia Tech Hokies be able to find the same success it had in the 2016 season when things get started next month?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Virginia Tech is listed with 65/1 odds to win the College Football Playoffs this season. The Hokies are also listed with 9/1 odds to win the ACC this season. When it comes to the over/under for regular-season wins, Virginia Tech is listed at 8.5. The over carries a line of -140, while the under has a money line of +110.

Justin Fuente steps into his second season as head coach, replacing Frank Beamer. His first season was a success, as the Hokies posted a 10-4 overall record, reaching the ACC Championship Game while also scoring a win in the Belk Bowl. It was Virginia Tech’s first 10-win season since 2011.

The Hokies may not have Beamer anymore, but they continue to have defensive coordinator Bud Foster for his 22^nd season with the team. The Hokies weren’t quite as dominant as they had usually been in 2016, allowing 22.7 points and 343 yards per game. The Hokies have some great leaders back though as linebackers Andrew Motuapuaka and Tremaine Edmunds will lead the unit. Motuapuaka led the team in tackles last season with 114 and also had three interceptions. Edmunds had 106 tackles with 18.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Terrell Edmunds also returns in the secondary. He had a team-high four interceptions with 89 tackles in 2016.

Offensively, the Hokies looked much improved in 2016. They posted 34.9 points and 445 yards per game. Tech will have to replace QB Jerod Evans, who threw for 3,552 yards and 29 touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 846 yards and 12 scores. Tech hasn’t chosen a starter, as three are contending for the job. Josh Jackson is the only one that was in the program last season. Travon McMillian will have to take on a bigger role in the run game. He had 671 yards and seven touchdowns last season to finish second on the team. Cam Phillips is the leading returning receiver with 76 catches for 983 yards and five touchdowns.

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Tech doesn’t waste any time playing in a big game, as it will face West Virginia from FedEx Field in Maryland to start the season. The Hokies will also take on Delaware, East Carolina and Old Dominion in non-conference play. ACC home games include Clemson, UNC, Duke and Pitt. Road trips will be made to Boston College, Miami, Georgia Tech and Virginia. The opener with WVU could be tough since Tech has a new quarterback making his first start. Other than that, the schedule seems very favorable. A home game with Clemson and a road trip to Miami could be the toughest remaining games, but I definitely see the Hokies having a defense that will get them to at least 9 wins.

2017 WIN TOTAL PREDICTION: VIRGINIA TECH OVER 8.5 (-140)

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