ECU @ No. 17 Virginia Tech (-11) TV: ESPN 12pm Saturday
Daniel: I didn’t give the Hokies enough credit last week, thinking they didn’t have much of a shot at Ohio State. Lesson learned. I love what VT’s defense is doing right now – holding opponent under 3.0 yards per carry and forcing a ton of turnovers. That’s a recipe for success. And while ECU battled admirably against South Carolina last week, the Pirates don’t have too much hope in this one. They did shock a pretty good Tech team back in 2008, but I don’t see that happening again. Winner: Virginia Tech 31-13
Houston: I was very impressed with what I saw from Virginia Tech last week against Ohio State. The Hokies are stout against the run and have one of the nation’s best set of defensive backs making things tough for opposing offenses. They don’t really ‘wow’ you at any one position on offense but they have a solid attack that prides itself in running the football and hitting big plays off of the play-action. ECU put up a fight against South Carolina last week, so they’ve got some moxy, but Blacksburg should be swarming like a hive of bees for this one. Tech rolls. Winner: Virginia Tech 38-17
Reed: This is exactly the type of game Virginia Tech loses. They’re coming off a huge win over Ohio State and seemingly drop at least one to an inferior opponent every year. Will it be ECU this year? It will if ECU’s offense can move the ball against Virginia Tech’s seemingly formidable defense. But that should be a tough task. Virginia Tech has top-25 talent and will severely outclass ECU (who’s cfg matrix talent ranking is 75th). With the coaching, home field, and talent edge going the way of the Hokies, I can’t pick the Pirates in the upset. This one should be close, though. Winner: Virginia Tech 27-21
Richard: Virginia Tech comes into this game riding a huge high after upsetting Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes. Meanwhile, the Pirates stagger into Blacksburg after blowing a golden opportunity to make South Carolina walk the plank last week. This has all of the makings of a trap game for Virginia Tech. They may be feeling a little too good about themselves, and East Carolina might not be a big enough name to get their attention after playing The Ohio State University. The Pirates managed 453 yards of total offense against South Carolina last week, but less than 200 yards of it came in the final two quarters. The Hokies defense will be better than what ECU saw last week. On the flip side, East Carolina’s offense will be better than what VT saw last week. East Carolina QB Shane Carden leads a good Pirate offense. Unlike Ohio State, the Pirates have mastered the art of the forward pass. In the end, home field advantage gives the Hokies the boost they need. Virginia Tech survives a scare, and finds a way to win. Winner: Virginia Tech 28-20
