Clemson vs Virginia Tech 2011 College Football Predictions: Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia will be rocking when undefeated Clemson (4-0), ranked 13th AP and 15th USA-Today/Coaches, arrive tonight to play the 10th (AP) ranked Virginia Tech Hokies also undefeated at 4-0 (6 P.M. ET, ESPN2). For the Tigers; the game comes on the heels of last week’s big home victory and cover against the College Football Odds over ACC favorites Florida State. For Virginia Tech (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS), Saturday will be their first conference matchup of the season.
The Tigers find themselves playing the underdog role this week getting +7-points offshore on the SBGglobal.com college board and at most offshore shops. The price of a SU moneyline wager on Virginia Tech is -275 while Clemson backers are getting +235. The betting total (over/under) opened at 50 1/2.
The Hokies (1-3 ATS) opened the 2011 campaign with a 66-13 win over a FCS school, Appalachian State, then picked up consecutive wins over East Carolina (17-10) and Arkansas State (26-7) before beating Marshall 30-10 last time out.
The Tigers have been more dependable to college football bettors so far this season, going 3-1 ATS, getting past a good Troy team 43-19 in their home season opener, then topping Wofford 35-27 in Week 2, and logging consecutive wins over Auburn (38-24) and Florida State (35-30).
David Wilson carried the Hokies' offense against the Thundering Herd, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Josh Oglesby ran for 75 yards and two scores in the contest, while QB Logan Thomas went 22-of-33 for 229 yards passing with one rushing TD and one interception.
Against the Seminoles in Death Valley, Clemson QB Tajh Boyd threw for 344 yards with three touchdowns and one interception and also ran for a score, while Andre Ellington rushed for 71 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Sammy Watkins caught eight passes for 141 yards and two scores in that Clemson win, and Dwyane Allen had the other TD catch.
A few trends do exist that could apply to today's game. Clemson has performed well at home in Memorial Stadium this years as in most years but previous road performance doesn't always equal their performance on the road. While going 4-1 in its last five games, the Tigers are 1-5 in their last six games on the road. To counter, the Hokies have won five straight at home and are 5-0 SU in its last five games playing Clemson. Over the Hokies last 16 games played anywhere; they are 15-1, not losing since their season opening two game skid in 2010.
Game commentary: I see these teams on par with one another. I haven't bought into the notion that Virginia Tech is among the nations elite and haven't seen enough of Clemson to form a decision. I do know the Tigers traditionally play better at home. What concerns me about the Hokies is they play down to competition. Clemson seldom wins at Blacksburgh, a College Football Odds trend that's sure to end some year. I like Clemson getting +7 in a game that should be close. My Pick- Clemson +7.
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