Virginia Tech is hopeful having starting quarterback Michael Brewer back under center can end the Hokies’ two-game losing streak. NC State suffered its first loss of the season last week, falling to Louisville as a 2.5-point favorite, its first ATS loss of the year. The Wolfpack look to rebound and they have been strong, going 7-1 ATS in their past eight games dating back to last season.
ODDS
Virginia Tech opened as a 3-point favorite with the total at 53. Early money on the Wolfpack wagered the line down to a toss-up. Tech has struggled at home going 2-7 ATS in its last nine at Lane Stadium. Both teams had a tough time putting up points last week and the total fell to 51.
KEY MISMATCH
NC State struggled on first down for most of its 20-13 ACC opening loss to Louisville last week. Fixing the early down problems will be a primary focus for Friday’s game against another formidable defensive front. The Wolfpack ran 22 first-down plays against Louisville with half going for zero or negative yards and another resulted in a fumble. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett struggled on first down, completing 4 of 11 passes for 66 yards, with 39 yards coming on one play, and the Wolfpack couldn’t find much more success on the ground. Despite a rush defense that ranks 102nd nationally, Virginia Tech represents another test for NC State’s offensive line. VT’s five-man front lends itself to some runs off the edges, but it also makes for some tough running in the middle of the field. Getting the running game back on track will be a big key for NC State’s success.
KEY STAT
+5 – Virginia Tech’s turnover margin. The Hokies lead the ACC with 12 takeaways and their turnover margin is tied for fourth. NC State has turned the ball over only three times this season.
BETTING ANGLE
Following a game in which the Hokies amassed 100 yards of offense in a 17-13 home loss to Pittsburgh, VT coach Frank Beamer vowed to take long looks at personnel and how the coaching staff approaches things. One huge move could be the return of season-opening starting quarterback Michael Brewer, who’s been out since breaking his collarbone in the Hokies’ opening loss to No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 7. Brewer has been medically cleared this week to practice, however his status for the game could be a game-time decision. Against Ohio State, Brewer completed 11 of 16 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game in the third quarter. In his absence Brenden Motley has completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 861 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions. He is 2-2 as the team’s starter.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Virginia Tech could have its starting quarterback back in the lineup, which would be a boost for an offense that struggled against Pitt last week, further intensifying the pressure on coach Frank Beamer. Brewer has been cleared to practice as he continues to mend from a broken collarbone, and his return couldn’t come soon enough. Backup Motley was abused last week and suffered a bruised shoulder on his throwing arm, further complicating matters for the Hokies offense. NC State posted plenty of impressive stats against four overmatched opponents before getting a reality check last week against Louisville. The Wolfpack also dismissed last year’s leading rusher Shadrach Thornton prior to last week’s game, following another round of legal trouble and complicating NC State’s offensive game plan. The Hokies are tough at home and the Wolfpack’s soft non-conference schedule is over.
Virginia Tech 24, North Carolina State 20
BookMaker opened the spread for this game at -3 in favor of the Hokies. The NCAA lines total surfaced at 53. Now you can wager in-game while the action unfolds with BookMaker's live betting option.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and Virginia Tech Hokies will take place Friday, October 9, 2015, at 8 p.m. ET at Lane Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
