Tag: Virginia Tech

Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Belk Bowl between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Kentucky Wildcats, with NCAA football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4) and Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) do battle in the Belk Bowl Tuesday, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET (ESPN). We analyze the Virginia Tech-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Wildcats will be making their first-ever appearance in the Belk Bowl. They’re looking for a second consecutive bowl victory after upsetting Penn State in the Citrus Bowl last season by a 27-24 count.

2. Kentucky ranks fourth in the country with 274.8 rushing yards per game, while Virginia Tech ranked 27th against the rush defensively, yielding 123.4 yards per outing. That will be where this game is won or lost.

3. The Under is 4-1 in Kentucky’s past five bowl games, while going 6-2 in its past eight neutral-site games. The Over is 6-2-2 in Virginia Tech’s past 10 neutral-site contests.

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Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 31, Kentucky 17

Moneyline (ML)

VIRGINIA TECH (-134) was humming along until a loss to Virginia in the regular-season finale. Still, the Hokies are the play here, as Kentucky (+110) is just too one-dimensional. That’s fine against the likes of Vanderbilt or Tennessee-Martin, but it won’t fly against a more seasoned team like the Gobblers.

Against the Spread (ATS)

VIRGINIA TECH (-2.5, -115) is a strong play against Kentucky (+2.5, -106). The Hokies have cashed in five of their past six, and as mentioned, they’re just more balanced. If the Hokies can shut down, or at least limit the likes of Swiss Army Knife Lynn Bowden Jr., who led the team in rushing and receiving yards, they’ll shut down Kentucky and hoist a trophy.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 45.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit play, but don’t get crazy. The Over has dominated for the Hokies in neutral-site games, going 6-2-2 in the past 10, and 7-3-1 in their past 11 as a favorite on a neutral field. The Over is 7-3 in Kentucky’s past 10 against winning teams, and 20-7 in its past 27 non-conference tilts, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Notre Dame Opponent ACC Championship Bound After Thriller

This battle between two 2019 Notre Dame opponents was an exciting one and by no-way an easy victory for the Cavaliers who jumped out to an early two-possession lead before the lead bounced back and forth.

The story of the year in the ACC has been the gap between Clemson, who hasn’t lost a conference game since mid-October of 2017 and the rest of the conference who at times this year hasn’t had a second ranked team in the Amway Coaches Poll Powered by USA Today, AP Poll or the College Football Playoff committee rankings.

When No. 3 Clemson travels to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game next week they’ll be playing 9-3 Virginia after the Cavaliers finally got by rival Virginia Tech and won the Commonwealth Cup for the first time since 2003.

That’s because Notre Dame’s September 28 opponent, who the Irish got by after a dominating defensive second half, won a thriller in Charlottesville, Virginia.

This battle between two 2019 Notre Dame opponents was an exciting one and by no-way an easy victory for the Cavaliers who jumped out to an early two-possession lead before the lead bounced back and forth.

A late Virginia field goal gave them a 33-30 lead with under two minutes left before a defensive score with under a minute left put them up 39-30.

Virginia’s win and Coastal Division title means all seven ACC Coastal teams have won the division in the last seven years.

This was the fourth straight season that Notre Dame played the eventual ACC Coastal Division champion, winning the last two of those match-ups (Pittsburgh 2018, Virginia Tech 2019). It’s the sixth time in six years since starting their ACC deal that Notre Dame has played a team that wound up in the ACC Championship Game:

2014 Florida State

2015 Clemson

2016 Virginia Tech

2017 Miami

2018 Pittsburgh

2019 Virginia

Since starting their deal with the ACC to play four games annually in 2014 and it being bumped up to five a year later, Notre Dame has gone 23-7 vs. ACC foes in regular season play, including winning 14 of their last 15 regular season games against ACC opponents.

It should be noted that the only time Notre Dame played Clemson in that time was in the Cotton Bowl, a 30-3 blowout win for the Tigers last December.

Notre Dame will play ACC foes Wake Forest, Pitt, Clemson, Duke and Georgia Tech in 2020.

Virginia Tech at Virginia odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Virginia Tech Hokies at Virginia Cavaliers college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Virginia Tech Hokies (8-3, 5-2 ACC Coastal) battle the Virginia Cavaliers (8-3, 5-2 Coastal) Friday at noon ET at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville in what amounts to a play-in game for the ACC Championship Game. We analyze the Virginia Tech-Virginia odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech at Virginia: Three things you need to know

1. The winner of this game will face the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte Saturday, Dec. 7.

2. Virginia Tech has posted a 5-0 ATS mark in the past five overall, 5-0 ATS in the past five ACC games and 6-2 ATS in the past eight against winning teams. Virginia is 7-2 ATS in its past nine against winning sides, while going 9-4-1 ATS in the past 14 at home.

3. The Hokies have dominated this series lately, going 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings and 5-2 ATS in the past seven trips to Charlottesville.

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Virginia Tech at Virginia: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 20

Moneyline (ML)

You’ll have to eat a little bit of chalk on VIRGINIA TECH (-139), but it’s playing good football lately and is a good bet over Virginia (+115), which isn’t as hot. The Hokies are 3-0 SU/ATS across the past three, and 6-1 SU/ATS across the past seven.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered that Virginia Tech will win outright will return a profit of $7.19 (10 divided by 1.39).

Against the Spread (ATS)

VIRGINIA TECH (-2.5, -110) is the way to go as the Hokies have been playing hot down the stretch. That includes a 28-0 beatdown of Pittsburgh last weekend. Virginia enters with a 15-game winless stretch against its rivals, too, and until the Cavaliers get over the hump, keep laying the points with the Hokies.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The O/U of 47.5 is a perfect line. The lean here is to the Over, but Virginia Tech’s defense has been dominant down the stretch and this could easily be an Under result as well. The Under has hit in four straight meetings in Charlottesville, but the Over is 5-1 in UVA’s past six at home and 4-1 in the past five overall for the Hoos. The Under is 4-0 in Virginia Tech’s past four overall, too, so the trends are all over the board. The best bet is to STAY AWAY.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Locked On Spartans Podcast: Trouble in Paradise

Michigan State loses to Virginia Tech in Maui.

Wil and Matt discuss Michigan State losing to Virginia Tech out in Maui. Matt declares the Foster Loyer experiment to be over. Wil thinks Xavier Tillman is pressing early in the season.

You can find the episode on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

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Michigan State HC Tom Izzo apologizes to fans after Virginia Tech loss in Maui

MSU’s Tom Izzo was apologetic to fans in Maui after the Spartans were upset by Virginia Tech in their first game in the Maui Invitational.

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It was a very frustrating day for Michigan State fans, both in the mainland United States and the ones who made the trip to Maui. After the No. 3 Spartans were upset by Virginia Tech 71-66 in the Maui Invitational, Tom Izzo apologized to the fans who made the trip, calling them, “maybe the greatest fan group that was here.”

“We feel like I let them down,” Izzo said.

Something a lot of fans criticized was the decision by Izzo to bench Cassius Winston over nine minutes in the first half after picking up two fouls. Sure, bench him for a few minutes to make sure he doesn’t get another one, but by the time Winston came back in during the second half, he looked cold and had a hard time getting back into full gear after spending so long on the bench.

Izzo acknowledged this as well, saying that “he panicked” after Winston picked up what he thought to be a “ghost call.” It was encouraging to see that he also admitted that he might have to play guys longer even if they pick up a few fouls early. This is particularly true for Winston as Foster Loyer has still not fully grown into the role as a capable backup for Cassius.

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Game Recap: MSU Basketball coughs up 71-66 loss to Virginia Tech

Michigan State Basketball lost to Virginia Tech 71-66 in frustration fashion. Here is a quick game recap for anyone that missed the game.

Michigan State Basketball lost in frustrating fashion to the Virginia Tech Hokies, 71-66 in the opening round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. This game was incredibly close all throughout. The Spartans played right into the hands of the Hokies in the first half. Then in the second, things only got worse.

Here is a quick recap of this game:

First Half

Boy, the first half was pretty rough. One stretch was so bad that MSU only shot one of nine from the floor. Even worse, Cassius Winston had zero points in the first half. That is just not good. The Spartans need other players to provide positive plays besides Winston. If Cassius struggles, Michigan State is vulnerable, to say the least.

Virginia Tech defended transition points quite well. They made sure to get all five players back on defense each and every possession. Meanwhile, Winston racked up two fouls and had to sit early on. This brought in Foster Loyer and put Rocket Watts at the PG position.

Rocket drilled a three right in front of the Virginia Tech bench. Unfortunately, he also turned the ball over twice on back to back possessions. This brought the turnover total to 10 before the end of the first half. Virginia Tech simply spaced the floor against MSU. The Spartans could not stop helping on driving defenders. As a result, the Hokies hit threes at a solid clip in the first half.

Virginia Tech pulled ahead at the half, 32-28.

Second Half

The second half was even more frustrating than the first. Michigan State shot themselves in the foot time after time in the second half. I can’t tell you what was worse between the sloppy offense and unintelligent defense. MSU opened the second half with more turnovers and blown defensive assignments.

Virginia Tech tallied seven three with nine minutes left in the game. One three came as the result of Thomas Kithier leaving his defensive assignment wide open in the corner for a three. On the other end, Michigan State continued to cough up the ball to Virginia Tech. The Spartans totaled 16 turnovers with nearly five minutes left in the game, yikes.

Despite turnovers and missed three-point shots, MSU kept this game close down to the very end. Gabe Brown hit a clutch corner three to bring the game to 59-52, Virginia Tech’s lead. Winston later hit a three in transition to bring the Spartans within four points.

Two minutes left in the game and Landers Nolley stepped up big for Virginia Tech. Nolley came down and scored a bucket right at the rim through two MSU defenders. On the other end, Xavier Tillman put the ball on the floor then kicked it out to a wide-open Aaron Henry for three. This bucket brought Michigan State within one, 65-64.

Unfortunately, Landers Nolley came right back with a three of his own. He scored back to back buckets to put his team ahead. Spartan Guard Kyle Ahrens drove baseline and scored, but, it did little to help the Spartans. Wabissa Bede grabbed the board. MSU tried to extend the game with intentional fouls to no avail.

Where did this game go wrong? Turnovers, Virginia Tech threes, and Winston’s poor play. I know, I hate to say it too. Cassius is the leader of this team though. He cannot score only seven points on 2-8 shooting from the floor.

Michigan State plays against Georgia tomorrow at 2:30 P.M. You can catch this game on ESPN2 as well.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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Locked On Spartans Podcast: MSU FOOTBALL IS BACK, BABY!

MSU football gets back in the win column against Rutgers. MSU hoops takes on Virginia Tech.

Wil and Matt revel in Michigan State’s glorious win over Rutgers. Then they make fun of Greg Schiano a little bit and preview Michigan State vs. Virginia Tech.

You can find the episode on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

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Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Michigan State Spartans sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (5-0) lock horns with the Michigan State Spartans (3-1) at the Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii at 5:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Virginia Tech-Michigan State odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State: Three things you need to know

1. Michigan State PG Cassius Winston has been everything as advertised this season, averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 assists per game.

2. Virginia Tech SG/SF Landers Nolley II leads the Hokies with 20.2 points per game, including a 30-point outburst in the Nov. 5 opener at Clemson. Four of the team’s top five scorers are freshmen for head coach Mike Young.

3. These teams last met Nov. 22, 2013, with Sparty coming away with a 96-77 victory.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan State 78, Virginia Tech 62

Moneyline (ML)

Michigan State is a -588 favorite. This number is far too chalky with a $10 bet returning a profit of just $1.70. Save your money for the spread.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN STATE (-9.5, -110) is the more battle-tested team, already having faced the likes of Kentucky, Duke and Seton Hall. The Spartans won’t be fazed by Virginia Tech (+9.5, -110), a team with much less experience.

The Hokies have played only one notable team thus far, the opener at Clemson. This will be a tremendous measuring stick game, but we’ll find out how far they are from being a contender.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 132.5 (-115) is the play, although hopefully, Michigan State finds the iron at Lahaina much more kind than on the mainland. Sparty ranks 280th in the nation during the early going in 3-point shooting, hitting just 29.5% from behind the arc. On the flip side, Virginia Tech ranks 11th from 3-point range, and it’s fifth by 3-point defense.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MSU vs. Virginia Tech: Three Things To Watch

Michigan State Basketball takes on Virginia Tech in the first round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. Here are three things to watch.

The Maui Jim Maui invitational kicks off on Nov. 25 and the Spartans are in action against the Virginia Tech Hokies. This will be a true test for Michigan State as the Hokies are 5-0 on the season.

Here are three things to watch in this game:

Guard Matchups

There are six forwards and nine guards on the Virginia Tech roster. Guards do a lot for the Hokies on a nightly basis. As a result, Michigan State must dominate on the perimeter defensively to win this game. If not, It is likely that Virginia Tech walks away with a victory.

One player, in particular, stands out as a potential defensive nightmare for the Spartans. Freshman Landers Nolley is a 6’7″ Guard and can score both at the rim and from a distance. His height is the biggest issue for Michigan State. Cassius Winston and Rocket Watts are not tall enough to guard Nolley effectively.

Tom Izzo must scheme against Nolley with smart matchups. Maybe he throws a combination of Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown out against Nolley. Trapping Landers Nolley should be a top priority for MSU. I’d make everyone else on that Hokies roster step up.

Big Man Dominance

Michigan State should take advantage of Virginia Tech’s lack of big man talent. First of all, Xavier Tillman can eat in this game. I’m talking 20 plus points and 10 or more boards. Throw in a few assists as well. He will be the determining factor for the Spartans against the Hokies.

Beyond Tillman, look for Hall & Marble to get some important minutes. I think that Marble looked great against Charleston Southern and should get some minutes in this game. Malik Hall has shown why he deserves to play heavy minutes with his three-point shooting and hustle around the rim.

Gabe Brown Dunks

Gabe Brown is so much fun to watch. He charges at the rim with overwhelming ferocity whenever given the chance. Watch for this to continue in this game and every other game for MSU. Brown’s energy clearly lifts up this team. Don’t believe so? Watch his teammate’s reactions during the next big dunk. They love it and so do the fans.

Michigan State plays against Virginia Tech at 5 P.M. Eastern Time. We will have more coverage before this game, during, and after. Stay locked on SpartansWire for all the info you need.

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