College Football Betting - Miami/Virginia Tech pick

OK, college football betting fans. Time to find out if the Miami Hurricanes are for real. After surprising wins against Florida State and Georgia Tech, the ‘Canes will march into Virginia Tech and try and steal one from the Hokies. Let’s make a pick.

Miami Hurricanes @ Virginia Tech Hokies (-2)
Saturday, September 26, 3:30 p.m. ET

Perhaps the biggest reason Miami has vaulted in to the national top 10 is the play of quarterback Jacory Harris. His 184.1 rating is third in the country. Javarris James and Greg Cooper are solid in the backfield and have helped established the Miami offense as balanced and dangerous. Online sports betting fans can’t say the same for Virginia Tech. Tyrod Thomas hasn’t impressed so far, completing over 50 per cent of his passes just once in three games. Ryan Williams is filling in for injured Darren Evans admirably, reeling off back to back 100-yard games, but he can’t do everything on his own.

Defensively, the Hurricanes are at least going in the right direction. For example, when the faced Georgia Tech last season, they got torched for an absurd 472 rushing yards. In the rematch last week, they held the Yellow Jackets to 95 yards. They’re not perfect but they’re aggressive and they can stack the box against Williams since Thomas hasn’t proven capable behind center.

The Hokies are known for their “D” and remain a fairly stingy unit but run defense has been a problem. If James and Cooper open the VT defense up, they’ll set up the playaction and Harris could light them up for a big play or two.

Best betting management pick: Miami +2. The Hurricanes are legit. Their balanced offense makes them a tough matchup for Virginia Tech and quarterback play will be the difference.