College Football
Virginia Tech/SMU Over 56.5 (win)
Rotation #317-318 / 7:00 PM ET

Both teams enter tonight’s matchup with different emotions following last game’s results. Virginia Tech earned a hard-fought road victory at Clemson, while SMU suffered an upset loss at Syracuse in the JMA Wireless Dome. That’s a difficult place to play, but the Mustangs are expected to be better than what they showed in that disappointing performance. SMU will look to bounce back at home by establishing Kendrick Raphael on the ground, softening up the Hokies’ defense, and giving quarterback Kevin Jennings opportunities to attack through the air. The Mustangs have a talented group of receivers that could create matchup problems for Virginia Tech’s secondary. Expect SMU to push the tempo and look to build an early lead. Virginia Tech will try to carry its road momentum into tonight’s contest, backed by a talented and experienced offensive line. Jeffrey Overton and Marcellous Hawkins provide a strong one-two punch in the backfield, allowing quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to get the ball to his big and talented receiving targets. Both offenses are well-balanced and can put points on the board, but SMU’s revamped defensive line could make this a trench battle. The Hokies should have opportunities to win the point of attack and control the line of scrimmage. Clemson might not be the powerhouse it once was, but Virginia Tech showed plenty of character last week by winning the fourth quarter in a hostile environment. The ACC Championship remains within reach for both programs, but neither can afford another loss, and both will need to win out to keep their championship hopes alive. Expect both offensive lines to control the trenches, allowing two balanced attacks to establish the run and create opportunities downfield. With both quarterbacks capable of making plays and plenty of offensive talent on each side, this matchup has the ingredients for a higher-scoring contest. Take the Over.