Fansided

Ohio State vs. Virginia Tech: Preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cody Williams

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) hands the ball off to running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) hands the ball off to running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to exact revenge on the Virginia Tech Hokies as Urban Meyer’s men travel to Lane Stadium to take on Frank Beamer and his team on Monday night. Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer and the Virginia Tech defense led the way to upsetting the J.T. Barrett and the Buckeyes in their season opener last year. Of course, Barrett, Ezekiel Elliott, Cardale Jones, and company went undefeated after that opening night loss on their way to winning the inaugural College Football Playoff and the National Championship.

Details for Monday’s game are below:

Date: Monday, Sept. 7
Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Stadium: Lane Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: List of radio affiliates can be found here
Ticket information: For Virginia Tech Hokies ticket info click here. For Ohio State Buckeyes ticket info click here

Keys to Victory

In the Hokies victory in 2014, it was their defense that truly led them to success over the eventual National Champions. The secondary led by standout Kendall Fuller was able to pick off Barrett three times in the game, including one that was returned for a touchdown.

Moreover, the front-seven of Virginia Tech was able to get pressure on Barrett while also containing OSU’s dangerous rushing attack. Barrett was limited to just 2.9 yards per carry on 24 tries and Elliott managed only four yards per carry on his eight touches on the ground. For the Hokies to get another win, the defense will have to be on that level once again, even with changes in the secondary.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State offense stands quite obviously as the Buckeyes key to success on Monday night. While their defense won’t go untested against some massive tight ends and experienced offensive players for Virginia Tech, it’s their offense that has to show up.

Whether it’s Barrett or Jones starting the game at quarterback, that position and Elliott are proven commodities. However, it’s questions about what Braxton Miller can supply as a hybrid back or who steps up on the outside beyond Michael Thomas that linger for the offense. Players will have to step up if OSU wants to handle this game decisively.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Ohio State (-14)
Moneyline: Ohio State (-570)
O/U: 52.5

Prediction

While there are undeniable questions about the Buckeyes, their talent, size, and pedigree are equally as undeniable. Despite last season’s outcome in this game and despite the Hokies being in a tough Lane Stadium, Ohio State should be able to overwhelm the Hokies when the final whistle blows.

Final Score: Ohio State 38, Virginia Tech 17

More from College Football

Home/College Football