Saturday, September 27, 2014

Lane Stadium in Blacksburg

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

It's starting to look as if the worst thing Virginia Tech (2-2) could have done for their season was march into the Horseshoe and upset Ohio State 35-21 three weeks ago. Since that big victory the Hokies have lost two in a row and find themselves off the polls quicker than an exotic dancer with a hip replacement. Despite being three TD favorites, a win over Western Michigan (2-1) is no guarantee as this Broncos team has one of the best ground attacks in the country.

First things first for Western Michigan, they just want to score a point against the Hokies because in 3 previous meetings they've lost 63-0, 30-0, and 31-0. This year's Broncos offense has as good a chance as any as they feature the country's #5 leading rusher in Jarvion Franklin. The 220 pound Freshman has scored 3 TD in each of his first 3 college games and has amassed 542 yards on 6.6 YPC this season. Granted the VT defense is better than any that Franklin has faced this season but if QB Zach Terrell can open up the passing game the back could see lanes open against the attacking Hokie defense. Terrell has been on-point throwing for over 225 yards in each Bronco game but most importantly he doesn't turn the ball over, throwing just 2 INT's in 85 attempts.

Did somebody say turnover because Virginia Tech QB Michael Brewer knows a thing or two about them. The Junior transfer threw 3 more lollipops in last week's 27-24 loss to Georgia Tech which brought him to 8 on the season. For all the credit the Virginia Tech defense gets, they simply can't defend themselves against extended stays in the game and poor opponents’ field position resulting from their offense.

Virginia Tech's defense is susceptible to the pass, giving up 3TD passes to East Carolina QB Shane Carden in just the first quarter of a 28-21 Hokies loss on September 13th. If Terrell and the Broncos can find similar success in the air, it could pave the way for Franklin and the ground game to torch the vaunted Hokies D and send them reeling to a third straight loss. It all starts with a single point though.

Western Michigan Broncos Betting Trends

Western Michigan Broncos are 2-1-0 Against the Spread

Western Michigan Broncos are 2-0-0 against the Over/Under

Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Trends

Virginia Tech Hokies are 2-2-0 Against the Spread

Virginia Tech Hokies are 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Western Michigan Broncos

09/21/14 LB Austin Lewis Knee "?" Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/05/14 DL Devante Lee Suspension out indefinitely
09/05/14 LB Edward Rolle Suspension out indefinitely
08/29/14 DB Garrett Smith Knee out indefinitely
08/14/14 OL Jordan Van Dort Personal out indefinitely

Virginia Tech Hokies

09/22/14 DT Luther Maddy Knee out indefinitely
09/21/14 LB Dahman McKinnon Knee "?" Saturday vs. Western Michigan
09/21/14 DB Greg Jones Hamstring "?" Saturday vs. Western Michigan
09/21/14 DE Jeremy Haynes Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Western Michigan
09/21/14 OL Kyle Chung Shoulder "?" Saturday vs. Western Michigan
09/21/14 TE Ryan Malleck Leg "?" Saturday vs. Western Michigan
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

Tony's Pick: Take Virginia Tech

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