The Hokies saw a once-promising season beste by an injury to starting quarterback Josh Jackson and a once-formidable defense getting regularly exploited. They have lost four straight by double figures and nee to win their last two just to merit a bowl invitation. Virginia is having a breakout season and would love to get the upper hand in a rivalry that has been dominated by the Hokies. But QB Bryce Perkins is banged up and this is too many points to pass up on a desperate Virginia Tech team at Lane Stadium.

The Virginia Tech defense and special teams are well below standard this season, which makes it difficult to trust the Hokies against the spread here, even as home dogs against a team that hasn't beaten it in 14 years. I do like the under, however, because while the Hokies defense may be slipping, Virginia's offense is never in a hurry to get anywhere, and the Hoos will likely stay conservative to try to get a win.

Virginia Tech's defense has given up 170 points in its last four games. Tech has scored 21 or more in eight of its last nine. Virginia has gone Over in three of its last four games and UVA has scored 27 or more in four of its last five. Go Over.

It's been a rare down year for the Hokies. Their issues started back during the spring and summer when they kicked a couple of starters off the team, and things just snowballed from there. However, in rivalry games all things can be thrown out the window. Tech needs this game to become bowl eligible on the season. The Cavaliers haven't beaten them since 2003. With Cavaliers QB Bryce Perkins at the helm, and a reeling Hokie defense, this may finally be the year UVa gets it done.