Hokies vs Bearcats NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
Virginia Tech’s blowout loss at Pittsburgh two weeks ago was stunning. Cincinnati is 2-0, but they haven’t really proven anything yet.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
FedEX Field
Saturday September 29, 3:30 PM EST on ESPNU
College Football Betting Odds from Bovada
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Virginia Tech -7 (-110) vs. Cincinnati +7 (-110)
Over/Under: 45
These two will square off on a “neutral” field at FedEx Field in Washington D.C. this weekend.
Which team will step up and pick up a big win this weekend?
Virginia Tech
Frank Beamer’s team struggled in an overtime win in the season opener, and the loss at Pittsburgh was a real shock. Still, this Hokies team has proven itself over time, and you have to expect this team to have a solid season.
The key to the offense is definitely quarterback Logan Thomas.
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Thomas has looked spectacular at times during his career, but he has also been dreadful in some big games. Thomas threw three interceptions in the Hokies loss to Pittsburgh.
Thomas is a big strong quarterback who has the skills to make the big throws, but he has to be more consistent.
Virginia Tech doesn’t have that dominant running game that it has had so often over the past few years, so they must rely more on the passing game.
The Hokies defense has had mixed results so far this season. The secondary has been terrific. Virginia Tech ranks ninth in the nation in pass defense. The front seven has been a disappointment.
Virginia Tech is giving up 184.5 rushing yards per game so far this year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The loss of split end D.J. Coles certainly slows down this defense.
Cincinnati
It’s really hard to judge Cincinnati at this point in the season.
The Bearcats are one of only a couple teams in the nation to have only played two games at this point. Cincinnati beat Pittsburgh at home in their season opener. They beat Delaware State 23-7 two weeks ago despite six turnovers.
Is this team good or are they just 2-0 by default? Only time will tell the answer to that question. The Bearcats strength is definitely their running game. George Winn already has 242 rushing yards on the season. Quarterback Munchie Legeaux has 14 rushes for 142 yards.
Legeaux is a solid dual-threat quarterback, but he’ll need to try to cut down on his turnovers. Two of Cincinnati’s primary wide receivers are listed as questionable for this one, so that will be something to watch as the game draws near.
Cincinnati’s defense has given up just 8.5 points per game, which is third in the nation. As I said earlier, the jury is still out on this group. Only giving up 8.5 points per game against Pittsburgh and Delaware State isn’t necessarily a sign of a terrific defense.
The Bearcats aren’t as big as many defenses, but they’ll rely on team speed.
These offenses aren’t particularly impressive right now, and I expect this to be a sloppy game overall. I think the under is the best value here.
Free NCAA Football Pick: Under 45
