Virginia Tech Hokies at West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Preview
The Black Diamond Trophy will be on the line Saturday as the No. 15 Virginia Tech Hokies (2-0) square off with the West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1). These former Big East rivals will once again square off at Milan Puskar Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 pm ET.
Last week, the Hokies were able to win comfortably as they beat Middle Tennessee 35-14. In the win, quarterback Braxton Burmeister threw for 142 yards and a touchdown, while Raheem Blackshear rushed for 53 yards and a couple scores.
After dropping their opener to Maryland, West Virginia bounced back in a big way last weekend as they beat LIU 66-0. Jarret Doege threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns, while Garrett Greene rushed for 98 yards and two more touchdowns.
West Virginia is the slight favorite playing at home. They are -138 to win while the Hokies’ moneyline sits at +112. The spread features Virginia Tech +2.5 (-112), and the over/under for total points is 50.5.
More Odds
Virginia Tech currently has the second-best odds of winning the ACC at +1400. The Mountaineers have the sixth-best odds of winning the Big 12 championship at +4000.
In terms of the National Championship, the Hokies are +8000 to win it all while West Virginia is +50000.
By The Numbers
In their last nine games, the Hokies are 7-2 overall against West Virginia, and they are 5-2 against their spread in their last seven against the Mountaineers.
For West Virginia, they are 6-0 in their last six home games, and they are 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 September games.
Hokies Try To Stay Perfect With Big Road Test
The Virginia Tech Hokies are off to a good start this season and sit ranked in the top-15 entering Week 3. Still, taking on an underrated West Virginia team on the road, they will certainly be tested this week.
Leading the way under center for the Hokies is quarterback Braxton Burmeister. The junior has thrown for 311 yards (60.5% completion percentage) with two touchdowns and an interception.
Burmeister also leads the rushing attack with 17 rushes for 94 yards and another score.
Through the air, Burmeister’s primary target has been Tre Turner. Through two games, he has eight receptions for 131 yards.
Defensively, Virginia Tech currently ranks 16th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 12 points per game.
West Virginia Still Trying To Shake Week 1 Loss
When it comes to college football, every game counts as teams fight for their conference and possible national standings. After being upset in their opening game against Maryland, they were able to bounce back big last week. They will now hope to carry that momentum into a home game against the ranked Hokies.
Leading the way on offense is quarterback Jarret Doege. Through two games, Doege has thrown for 536 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also been sacked five times in two games.
There are a trio of receivers that have started the season well. Sean Ryan (six receptions, 125 yards, one touchdown), Sam James (eight receptions, 120 yards, two touchdowns), and Winston Wright Jr. (nine receptions, 101 yards) have all eclipsed the 100-yard mark.
On the ground, Leddie Brown has led the way. He has 104 yards rushing with four touchdowns thus far.
Taking The Hokies And The Points
Frankly, this should be a pretty fun one. Despite their opening loss, West Virginia and Virginia Tech are pretty similar in talent level.
Especially playing in Morgantown, the Mountaineers could keep this pretty close throughout. As a result, the best play is to take the points.
In this case, that means taking Virginia Tech +2.5.
