
Virginia Tech vs ODU Prediction Football Picks 9-2-23
Virginia Tech Hokies (0-0) vs Old Dominion Monarchs (0-0)
2023-09-02 20:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Virginia Tech Hokies -16 -- Over/Under: 48.5
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The Old Dominion Monarchs and the Virginia Tech Hokies meet Saturday in college football action from Lane Stadium. Old Dominion posted a rough 3-9 campaign last year which left the team in last place among their division in the Sun Belt. As for Virginia Tech, they had a disappointing run in 2022 as well with a 3-8 overall run and a last place finish in the Coastal Division of the ACC. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Old Dominion Monarchs
The Monarchs didn’t start out horribly last year, going 3-3 in their first half-dozen games with wins over Virginia Tech, Arkansas State and Coastal Carolina. Old Dominion closed with six straight losses however, eventually landing at 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the Sun Belt for a last-place finish in the East Division.
Looking ahead to 2023, Old Dominion is essentially starting over after getting their roster picked clean by the transfer portal and graduation. On offense, Javon Harvey is the biggest name left among a group of quick receivers. Running back Keshawn Wicks is still here as well following 125 yards and a score last year. In short, there are a lot of question marks.
Old Dominion Monarchs Team Facts
Old Dominion has lost each of its last 10 road games in September.
Old Dominion has covered the spread in each of its last six games against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Old Dominion has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
Each of Old Dominion’s last five games against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference have gone UNDER the total points line.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Over on the Hokies’ side, they had a pretty miserable campaign in 2022 as well. Virginia Tech went 2-1 in their first three games, then lost seven straight before a victory over Liberty on November 19. The end result was a 3-8 record overall and a 1-8 run in the ACC for a last-place finish in the Coastal Division.
Coming off its worst year since 1992, Virginia Tech has plenty to prove this season. That starts with the offense, which still has enough noteworthy players to make some noise. The receiving corps is strong, even with the loss of Kaleb Smith. Ali Jennings, Jaylin Lane and Da’Quan Felton will be big contributors. The Hokies will need to get the other areas of the offensive attack up to speed, however.
Virginia Tech Hokies Team Facts
Virginia Tech has won 15 of its last 17 September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Virginia Tech has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents at Lane Stadium.
Virginia Tech has won the first half in 15 of its last 19 games against non-conference opponents at Lane Stadium.
Virginia Tech has won the first quarter in 14 of its last 17 games against non-conference opponents at Lane Stadium.
Each of Virginia Tech’s last eight games in September have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
Virginia Tech was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
Virginia Tech was one of only 27 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
Old Dominion ranked T40th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (5.9).
Old Dominion scored fewer than 5 points in two home games last season – most of any FBS team.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m probably still going to stay with the Hokies. I’m probably also staying away from this one. There’s an extra layer of revenge involved in this one following the Hokies’ opener loss to ODU last year, but after their transfer exodus the Monarchs don’t seem in a position to put up much of a fight in the rematch. There are plenty of question marks around the Hokies coming into this season, but they should be good enough to stay ahead here. Defensively, Virginia Tech needs to generate some takeaways and keep it up with the stops on third downs. The defense-minded coaches should put that unit in a position to succeed, and it’ll be up to the offense to hang a few points on the board. I don’t think Virginia Tech will go nuts here, but if the passing game is working even semi-well, the team should be able to emerge with a cover here.