Chief, What are your feelings on this week’s feature ACC match up (Virginia Tech vs Miami (FL)? VA Tech getting 3 points at home is hard to pass up!!!?
Kevin NYC, NY, USA
Thanks for the question. I totally agree, I am going to take those points, but I am expecting not to need them as I think the Hokies will win on what will be a very wet track in Blacksburg. I think Virginia Tech will benefit from that home field advantage. They were fortunate to defeat Nebraska last week, but the manner in which they won should give them momentum going into this game and much needed confidence for QB Tyrod Taylor. The Miami Hurricanes are the toast of college football going from unranked pre-season (35th most AP votes) to 9th after just 2 wins. The game Miami won against Florida State should have been a defeat if if it weren’t for a dropped pass in the end zone on the final play. I am a little concerned with how badly Virginia Tech has been outgained in yardage in their two games against ranked opponents this year. They were outgained 498-155 in a 34-24 loss to Alabama and 343-278 in that 16-15 win against Nebraska (that includes an 81-yard pass play with a minute to go). Also Miami has a little extra rest having played last Thursday with Va Tech having played a week ago.
I also like to fade teams when they go from being under the radar to the center of attention. It feels like this weeks college football coverage has been dedicated to Miami and how “The U is back”. ESPN Gameday will be doing a feature on quarterback Jacory Harris. I can see all this extra attention causing a little distraction from their preparation, which is dangerous against a Frank Beamer coached team. Teams also tend to lose their edge, that underdog mentality, look at the Sports Illustrated cover jinx. I don’t think it is a coincidence that teams falter after getting a lot of publicity. This year SI placed Mississippi, Oregon, Oklahoma State and Penn State on four different regional covers. Only Penn State remains undefeated, but may not be after a tough matchup tomorrow against Iowa.
