Thursday, October 16, 2014

Heinz Field in Pittsburgh

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On Thursday night, the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-2) will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-3) in a game that will feature two of the top 25 defenses in the country. Last year, the Hokies beat the Panthers 19-9 on their home field.

Last week, Virginia Tech was able to pick up its second win in a row by defeating North Carolina 34-17 on the road. The Hokies had 171 rushing yards in that win and their defense was able to force three turnovers.

The Hokies currently have the 23rd-best defense in the country after only giving up 19.8 points per game through their first six games. Quarterback Michael Brewer has thrown for 1,409 yards with 10 touchdowns this season, but he has also been picked off 11 times. Wide receiver Isaiah Ford has 28 catches this year for 366 yards and four touchdowns.

Pittsburgh lost their third consecutive game last week when they were beaten 24-19 by Virginia on the road. Pitt only had 116 rushing yards in that loss and they were just 4-for-13 on their third down opportunities.

The Panthers have been able to rush for 243.8 yards per game this season, but they are only throwing for 161.5 yards per game. Sophomore running back James Conner has 874 rushing yards with nine touchdowns and he's averaged 5.6 yards per carry this year. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd has 30 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns.

Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Trends

Virginia Tech Hokies are 3-3-0 Against the Spread

Virginia Tech Hokies are 2-3-0 against the Over/Under

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Panthers are 3-3-0 Against the Spread

Pittsburgh Panthers are 2-3-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Virginia Tech Hokies

10/12/14 OL Braxton Pfaff Shoulder "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh U
10/12/14 DT Vinny Mihota Ankle "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh U
10/12/14 DT Woody Baron Ankle "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh U
10/12/14 RB Marshawn Williams Leg "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh U
09/29/14 RB Shai McKenzie Knee out for season
09/26/14 CB Brandon Facyson Leg out indefinitely
09/23/14 OL Colt Pettit Shoulder out for season
09/23/14 LB Dahman McKinnon Knee expected to miss 2-4 weeks
09/23/14 DE Ken Ekanem Knee expected to miss 4 weeks
09/22/14 DT Luther Maddy Knee out indefinitely
09/18/14 WR Joshua Stanford Personal out indefinitely
09/16/14 S Desmond Frye Shoulder out for season
09/08/14 LB Sean Huelskamp Knee out for season
08/15/14 OL Mark Shuman Knee out for season
08/04/14 LB Devin Vandyke Leg out indefinitely
08/04/14 WR Kendrick Holland Shoulder out for season

Pittsburgh Panthers

10/12/14 OL Aaron Reese Knee "?" Thursday vs. Virginia Tech
10/12/14 OL Adam Bisnowaty Suspension Served probable Thursday vs. Virginia Tech
10/12/14 DL Luke Maclean Ankle "?" Thursday vs. Virginia Tech
09/07/14 OL Artie Rowell ACL out for season
08/20/14 DB Trenton Coles Personal has left team
08/02/14 LB Ejuan Price Pectoral out for season
08/02/14 DB Titus Howard Suspension out for season

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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