Virginia Tech at East Carolina
Both teams enter this weekend with 5-3 records but are looking at the remainder of their seasons very differently. Virginia Tech’s loss last week pretty much eliminated their division, conference and BCS hopes while East Carolina still has a lot to play for in Conference USA. This lack of motivation might be a factor, although it should be noted that Virginia Tech might want to exact revenge for last year’s upset in Blacksburg…if they can.
Virginia Tech, despite the record appears to be getting better on offense. Tyrod Taylor is improving and the running game has been solid although the rumours are that Ryan Williams is having trouble getting over the fumble that cost the Hokies the game last week. If he is in a funk they will have a hard time staying with an an East Carolina team that is still searching for a real quality win this year.
ECU has scuffled along this year. Winning most of the games it is supposed. After last year’s start and with the return of QB Patrick Pinkney more was expected. Pinkney has been part of the problem throwing more INTs than TDs. Last year he was on fire (19/23) in the big upset win at VT. He will have to be close to that for ECU top have a chance.
Game Prediction: Virginia Tech is coming into this game as a 12-13 point favourite. This seems like too big of a spread given the location of the game and the fact that home teams have just dominated on Thursday night. VT should gut out the win but I think that ECU will cover in a close battle.
Score Prediction:
Virginia Tech – 24
East Carolina – 21
News/Notes:
-Pirates are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a home underdog of 10.5 or greater.
-Hokies are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games.
-ECU has covered the last two matchups
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