The Monarchs of Old Dominion (-27) are set to welcome the No. 13 Virginia Tech Hokies to Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on CBS Sports Network and kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Betting Preview: Virginia Tech Hokies at Old Dominion Monarchs
Virginia Tech is significantly favored here and is currently giving up 27 points to Old Dominion. Oddsmakers have placed the over/under (O/U) at 52 points, and if one side can create a bunch of points early, it’ll likely create a solid in-game betting opportunity.
Odds have shifted from where they were originally placed, as the opening line was 28. The game’s over/under hasn’t changed after it was set initially at 52.
The profitable Hokies have recorded 2.5 units so far and are 2-0 against the spread (ATS). The team has recorded an O/U mark of 1-1.
The Monarchs have been a disappointment to moneyline bettors this season, losing 4.4 units. They’re 0-3 ATS and have an O/U record of 2-1.
The Hokies are 2-0 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Monarchs are 0-3 SU.
When these two teams faced each other a year ago, Virginia Tech knocked off Virginia Tech soundly 38-0.
The Hokies are looking to stay undefeated following a 62-17 victory over William & Mary on September 8. The Hokies D did its part in the win, limiting the Tribe to just 232 passing yards and 34 rushing yards. Offensively, the Hokies completed 16-of-23 passes for 281 yards and one touchdown. Josh Jackson went 12-for-16 for 217 yards and one touchdown while Ryan Willis completed four-of-seven for 64 yards. Deshawn McClease (35 rushing yards on 10 attempts, one TD) and Jalen Holston (47 yards on 10 carries) led the ground attack while Damon Hazelton (four receptions, 107 yards, one TD) and Hezekiah Grimsley (three catches, 68 yards) handled the receiving duties in the win.
Old Dominion narrowly dropped a 28-25 game to Charlotte. Steven Williams completed 16-of-28 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Lala Davis (63 yards on 10 rush attempts, two TDs) handled the running game as Jonathan Duhart (seven receptions, 127 yards, one TD) and Isaiah Harper (two catches, 21 yards) led the receiving attack in the loss.
Virginia Tech’s run the ball on 63.7 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Old Dominion has a rush percentage of 48.7 percent. The Hokies have run for 208.5 yards per game and have seven touchdowns on the ground this year. The Monarchs are putting up 115.0 rushing yards per game and have four total rush TDs.
It appears that the Hokies should own the advantage when it comes to efficiency in the ground game. Their backfield has logged 4.8 yards per carry while the defense is allowing 2.2 YPC to opponents. The Monarchs have tallied 3.7 yards per carry and allowed 4.4 yards per rush attempt to opponents.
The Hokies offense has averaged 244.0 yards through the air overall and has three passing scores so far. The Monarchs have recorded 230.0 pass yards per contest and also have three total pass TDs.
On the defensive side of the ball, Virginia Tech appears to have the upper hand in both facets. The team has allowed 64.0 rush yards and 232.5 pass yards per game. The Old Dominion D has allowed 285.0 yards per game to opposing passers and 199.3 yards per game on the ground. The Hokies are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of only 4.42 to opposing QBs, while the Monarchs have given up a staggering 9.27 ANY/A.
Passing-wise, Jackson is up to 217 yards this year. The signal-caller has completed 12-of-16 attempts with one passing scores and has yet to throw an interception. He’s got a sparkling 14.81 adjusted net yards per pass attempt overall, although that number is 10.31 over the last two outings.
Steven Williams has managed to complete 30-of-58 passes for 347 yards, one TD and two INTs for Old Dominion. His ANY/A stands at a less-than-stellar 4.68 for the season and 6.15 across his past two games.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Pick
SU Winner: Old Dominion, ATS Winner: Old Dominion, O/U: Over
