Though it's a lost season in Blacksburg, we haven’t seen the Hokies pack it in yet. Still, the situation isn't ideal, even beyond the knowledge of a new regime on the way in, especially with the offense mostly misfiring all season, and QB Kyron Drones inconsistent. That same "I" word applies to Cal, but curiously, the Golden Bears haven't seemed to mind these long trips to the Eastern Time Zone in the ACC, covering three of four since last season. True frosh southpaw QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has shown enough to trust on the road, and the defense is usually good enough to keep Cal competitive, ranking a respectable 34th nationally at 324 ypg. Play Cal.

Virginia Tech has played a bit better since the firing of former coach Brent Pry, going 2-2 following an 0-3 start. At 5-2, Cal is a well-coached and solid team that is prone to the occasional lapse. Last week, the Bears were rolling early against North Carolina before hitting a sleepwalking mode that nearly cost them the game. Expect them to bounce back with a focused effort against a Hokies club that appears to be fetching too much respect in this number.

This is a tough spot for Cal traveling across the country on a short week. The Golden Bears' are a little overvalued with their last two wins coming against struggling Boston College by four and UNC by three. Virginia Tech has played better since firing Brent Prye and the stadium should be rocking for a National TV game on Friday night. I'll back the Hokies at under a FG at home.