West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

Prediction

With all the inexperience on both offenses, the game will likely come down to which quarterback can avoid making mistakes.

That’s going to be a challenge for Grier, as the Virginia Tech defense is loaded with playmakers at all three levels. Beyond the aforementioned Terrell Edmunds, Tremaine Edmunds racked up a whopping 16.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last year, Andrew Motuapuaka led the team with 114 tackles, and Greg Stroman piled up 10 passes defended in addition to three interceptions.

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While the Hokies will likely have a conservative game plan for Jackson, the Mountaineers just don’t have the defensive playmakers to take advantage. It won’t be pretty, but Peoples, McMillian and four-star sophomore Deshawn McClease will grind out just enough offense on the ground for Virginia Tech to put together a few long scoring drives.

A Holgorsen team won’t be kept off the board forever, and Crawford is good enough to keep West Virginia close throughout. Even so, Foster will aggressively stack the box and exploit a one-dimensional offense to slow the Mountaineers down.

Virginia Tech will end up winning the turnover battle, and their big advantage on special teams will also play a factor in a low-scoring victory.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, West Virginia 20