Virginia Tech at East Carolina Predictions


November 4, 2009 | Posted By Larry Cook

Rocky Atkinson continues to impress with his college football picks, check to see who he is taking this weekend if you want to pad your bankroll.

For the second week in a row the Hokies will play in an ESPN Primetime Thursday Night game. Last Thursday the Hokies were upset by unranked North Carolina as 14.5 point chalk. They will try to deflect losing their third straight game this week as they visit East Carolina. The 22nd ranked Hokies are 5-3 this season (3-2 in the conference) and are just 3-5 at the pay window. Odds makers have listed them as a lofty 13 point road favorite over East Carolina who has struggled against top-notch opponents so far this season. East Carolina is also 5-3 SU and only 3-4 against the spread but has neglected to be competitive against above average opponents like West Virginia and North Carolina. They will certainly be facing one of their hardest opponents on Thursday night against the Hokies of Virginia Tech.

In his first year as the clear cut starter at Virginia Tech, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has neglected to come forth as the star that everyone thought he could be. He is only averaging approximately 175 yards passing per game and has thrown just 9 touchdown passes in 8 games. Taylor hasn’t really been much of a threat on the ground either as he has only rushed for 150 yards this year. For this Hokie offense to really burst, Taylor has to come out and play to his athletic potential. There is no wonder he will have to play well in order to win this contest. Expect East Carolina to load the box with defenders and force Taylor to beat them by throwing the ball.

However, despite Taylor’s failure to dominate at the quarterback position, the Hokies boast one of the best rushing attacks in the country led by freshman running back Ryan Williams. Va Tech is averaging 190 yards per game via the run but will be facing a stout rush defense in East Carolina. The Pirates are only giving up an average of 108 yards per game via the rush and 3.4 yards per carry. A large key to who comes out on top with this game will be who wins the battle of the trenches. If East Carolina can inhibit the Hokies rushing attack and put the ball in Taylor’s hands, they have a chance at pulling the upset.

On offense, East Carolina is not an offensive juggernaut in their own right. They rank 63rd in the country in total points and 80th in total yards. The Pirates a team that is constructed around rushing the ball and playing strong defense. Their rushing attack is averaging right around 150 yards per game via the ground. This Pirate offense could present troubles for the Va Tech defense who has consistently struggled checking the run all year long. They are rated 79th in the nation in rush defense, giving up more than 150 yards a game on the ground. Much like when the Hokies have the ball, the battle of the offensive and defensive lines will be crucial when East Carolina is on offense as well.

This should be a hard fought football game between two teams who pride themselves on defense and rushing the football. As mentioned previously, whoever wins the battle of the lines will likely be the victor of this game. The other crucial factor to this contest will be which signal caller steps up and plays well. Tyrod Taylor and Patrick Pinkney have not been great to say the least. Pinkney has thrown just 8 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions. It could come down to whichever quarterback makes the fewest mistakes. Both will have to manage the game, protect the football, and deliver on third and long situations to win the ball game.

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