On Saturday afternoon, Virginia Tech returns to the football field to play their second game inside Lane Stadium against the Furman Paladins.
Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM EST on the ACC Network.
Prior to the contest, the crew at VTSCOOP locked in their predictions for the contest.
CZYHokie
Virginia Tech was expected to blow ODU last week and that obviously did not happen. The Hokies ended up winning by 2 TD’s and avenged the loss from last year, but certainly not In the fashion they thought. Time to move forward this week to Furman. They are 1-1 but they have scored over 40 points in both games, and also have a fairly dynamic QB that could give VT troubles. I do expect VT to win this game, but Furman is no pushover and the Hokies cannot overlook them at this point. I still have no idea who this team is in Blacksburg, but the Hokies will win.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 35, Furman 24
Doug Bowman
Points, points, points. I expect there to be some points here. Looked at one over/under set at 64.5, and I’m thinking the over is definitely in play here. Furman has a dynamic offense led by a confident young quarterback. Any QB that can run and throw is going to give this young VT defense fits. Throw in some well-executed triple option looks and near-constant rushing attacks on the perimeter of VT’s defense, and I think Furman will have success offensively on Saturday.
That said, Furman’s defense is not good. They have a 255-pound nose tackle, another defensive tackle that tops out at about 270, and one of their top cornerbacks in five foot eight. Tech should just physically dominate Furman’s defense, which gave up 48 points and six straight touchdowns at one point last week to Georgia State. The VT offense has left a little to be desired in the first two games, but this is definitely a game they should be able to rack up some yards, score a boatload of points, and in general get feeling pretty good about themselves.
With both offenses clicking, it might get a little hairy at times for a game against an FCS opponent, but Tech should be able to slow down the Furman offense at least a handful of times. I’m not sure the same will happen with Furman slowing down the Tech offense. Add in a couple of turnovers – the Hokies have just one through two games, they are due – and the home crowd, and I think Tech cruises comfortably behind their offense.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 47, Furman 24
Matej Sis
Furman presents a challenge, yes you are reading that correctly, with a multiple offense that operates at high efficiency. Virginia Tech’s Achilles’ heel has been the Triple-Option run attack, which makes its return on Saturday. The Paladins will score points, the Hokies will score points, but who will make enough stops on the defensive side of the ball?
It’s time to establish the basics for Virginia Tech. Each week I have been looking for something for the Hokies to build upon. As it turns out, the offense and defense both have not established an identity for themselves, so it’s time for me to stop expecting the next step. It’s time to take a step back and really establish the offense as a multi-dimensional unit. The defense must find consistency.
As much as it would be nice to see Hendon Hooker in this setting, I believe Virginia Tech can’t play with their food and must establish a working formula. If that means running the ball 50-times, until something clicks, so be it.
I’m looking for two things in particular – establishing a run game for Keshawn King and Deshawn McClease to get to the next level and make defenders miss. The second is controlling the line of scrimmage on defense. If Bud Foster’s unit can force Furman into third-and-longs, I believe they will have a chance to force turnovers. Virginia Tech is currently -6 in that regard.
Furman isn’t a push-over, but Virginia Tech will close out strong before their BYE week next Saturday.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 42, Furman 24
Evan G. Watkins
Many Virginia Tech fans won’t want to hear this, but this is a very winnable game for Furman. I don’t think Furman does enough to win it at the end, but I expect it to be closer than many expect based off the way Virginia Tech has started the season. Furman quarterback Darren Grainger’s legs should worry Bud Foster, who has had an issue stopping mobile quarterbacks in the past. Grainger is the most mobile quarterback the Hokies have faced to date this fall and the defense has had a tough time in the first two games. Add in that Furman runs some triple option and I expect them to put some points on the board, but I don’t think their defense will be able to keep them in the game. Virginia Tech’s offense should be able to pull away and cruise to a comfortable victory and the defense should be able to “out athlete” Furman throughout the game.
Prediction: Virginia Tech, 42, Furman 24