Points Could Be Plentiful As Virginia Tech Hosts Miami

The No. 9 Miami Hurricanes improved to 6-1 SU on the season with a 44-41 win against the NC State Wolfpack last Friday. The Hurricanes could be in for another high-scoring affair Saturday afternoon when they visit the Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Hokies opened as small favorites at -2 and have picked up enough early action to move the line down to Virginia Tech -2.5. Bettors have leaned heavily toward the OVER in this one as well, moving the line from 62.5 points up to 64.5 points. Miami is 4-2 SU and ATS in its last six games against the Hokies.

Miami News & Notes

One week after winning a defensive showdown in a 19-14 nail-biter against the Virginia Cavaliers, the Hurricanes were in shootout mode last Friday against North Carolina State.

D’Eriq King was sensational in the victory, going 31-for-41 in the passing game with 430 passing yards, five touchdown passes and no interceptions while also adding 105 rushing yards on 15 carries. King’s playmaking abilities are a big reason for Miami’s 6-1 SU and 4-3 ATS record this season.

Miami is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS at home this season and 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS on the road. The Hurricanes are 4-8 SU and 5-7 ATS in their last 12 road games against the Hokies, but more recently they’ve gone 2-1 SU and ATS in their last three trips to Lane Stadium.

Virginia Tech News & Notes

Virginia Tech owns the nation’s fifth-best rushing attack, averaging 277.4 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Hendon Hooker has carried the ball 82 times for 515 yards and eight touchdowns and feature back Khalil Herbert is averaging a whopping 8.4 yards per carry with 803 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 96 attempts. Miami has not been particularly strong against the rush this season, allowing 148 rushing yards per game.

But despite their strong offense, the Hokies are just 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS this season due to their abysmal defense. Virginia Tech is allowing 460.7 total yards and 31.6 points per game.

Last Saturday against the Liberty Flames, Hooker went 20-for-27 with 217 passing yards and three passing touchdowns to go along with 156 rushing yards and one rushing score. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s performance on defense as the Hokies lost 38-35 as 17-point home favorites.