Despite the FSU loss on Saturday, VPI's Big Dance profile still isn't that bad but could use a boost down the stretch like a win tonight at Miami. For forecast purposes, maybe it's better for Mike Young's team to be on the road, where the Gobblers have covered all six of their previous trips on the ACC trail this season, and seven consecutive overall. At its best, VPI takes advantage of some splendid balance that features five double-digit scorers for Young led by underrated ex Illinois/West Virginia PF Amani Hansberry (14.7 ppg), who provides a needed presence on the blocks while one of more of Young's shooters (often Gs Ben Hammond and/or Jailen Bedford) often has the radar working from long range. Play VPI

This line opened at 6.5 but I'll take a shot on Virginia Tech now that it moved to 8.5. The Hokies are coming off a blowout loss to Florida State in a game they led at halftime. Va Tech couldn't make a basket in the second half and the Noles shot 78% from the field. FSU used a 21-2 run to outscore the Hokies 53-27. That crazy half is creating some value in a tough spot for Miami. The Canes won a court storming game at home over UNC then got by NC State in the final seconds Saturday. Miami tends to play up and down to its competition, while Virginia Tech is 7-0 ATS on the road. Take the Hokies at +7.5 or better.

The Hurricanes average 89.9 points per game at home and have hit the over in 11 of 14 games at Watsco Center. Meanwhile, 5 of 6 Hokies road games in ACC play have seen totals of 150+ points. I expect both teams to score in at least the mid-70s, but I'll predict Miami a bit higher. Hurricanes 84, Hokies 76.