Preview: Virginia Tech @ #8 Ohio State
Date: 8/6/2014
Time: 8:00 ET
Television: ESPN
Spread: Ohio State (-11)
Players to Watch
Devin Smith, wide receiver (OSU): Smith has been on the books at Ohio State for four seasons now and he has progressed steadily over that time. It is unfortunate that he will not get to play with Braxton Miller during his senior year. Nevertheless, he caught an 80 yard touchdown pass against the Navy last week as he builds a rapport with T.J. Barrett to improve on his 44 receptions as a junior.
Michael Bennett, defensive end (OSU): Bennett exploded onto the scene as a junior when he registered 11.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks after hardly troubling the stat sheet the year before. He makes up one part of the best defensive line in football and, after protecting his knees and ankles against the Navy’s triple-option offense, he can now do what he does best and make a living in the backfield.
Michael Brewer, quarterback (VT): The former Red Raider had a steady start in his Hokies debut completing 23 of 30 passes for 251 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Now he has a handle on things it is time for him to take charge, become a team leader and take care of the football. Virginia Tech can always lean on its defense and Brewer needs to give the fans something on offense.
Kendall Fuller, cornerback (VT): Kendall is the younger brother of Bears first-round pick Kyle. He is one of the best cover-corner in the game and many expect him to surpass his former team-mate and sibling. With the offense finding its feet the defense needs to be top-ten if this side are to go far, and it starts with the defensive backs shutting down opponents’ passing game.
Hokies’ Defense Vs Buckeyes’ Offense
Under Frank Beamer the Hokies are known for their big plays coupled with resilient defense. Barrett is still finding his feet and the defense he will play Saturday is much different from Week 1. If Beamer can get his boys after the freshman early then this could be a close run thing. Urban Meyer admitted that his side’s offensive line play was patchy at best and that it affected his play calling later in the contest. If that is the case this time around the Virginia Tech defense will feast on Barrett.
Hokies’ Offense Vs Buckeyes’ Defense
The Ohio State defensive line can simply take over games and that is what Virginia Tech must guard against throughout the game. Draw plays, tunnels and quick dink-and-dunk passes will negate some of that pressure. Keeping their opponents to under 10 points should mean good news for the home team, who have not lost at home since 2011.
Game Preview
This should be an intriguing match-up with a fascinating mixture of old, new and emerging faces all over the park. Both sides are still feeling what they have and while Ohio State will be heavily favored, if they fall behind there could be an upset.
Implications
Virginia Tech snuck into the rankings for a short time in 2013 with a solid opening to their season and a win here would certainly get them back with the best, although a loss would not destroy their season. For Ohio State, a loss would mean major ramifications for their season ambitions and a long road back would be ahead should they succumb to Beamer and Bud Foster.
Prediction
Ohio State has too much quality throughout and Virginia Tech lack a cutting edge on offense and, after a nervy opening couple of exchanges, they chalk up win number two 31-14.