(Image via virginiatech.sportswar.com)
Team Overview
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech (2-1, 0-0) is coming off a stunning defeat to 0-3 Old Dominion where the Monarchs triumphed over the Hokies 49-35. The Hokies defense gave up 631 total yards, the most yards ever given up by the Hokies in the Bud Foster Era, and 494 of those yards came through the air. In the game, the Hokies lost their starting QB Josh Jackson to a left fibula fracture which will cause him to miss extended time. In his place, Virginia Tech Head Coach Justin Fuente announced that Redshirt Junior Ryan Willis will start vs Duke on Saturday. Ryan came in early in the 4th quarter and went 9/18 for 131 yards and 1 touchdown. Through 3 games, the Hokies offense is averaging 501.7 total yards, 256 passing and 245 rushing, and they are scoring an average of 40.3 points per game. The Hokies have the 22nd overall offense in the country. On defense, the Hokies are allowing 408.3 yards per game, 320 passing and 88.3 rushing, and 23.3 points per game. The Hokies rank 92nd in the country for total defense.
Duke
Duke (4-0, 0-0) lost their 3 year starting QB Daniel Jones to a broken collar bone in week 2. But their backup QB, Quentin Harris, has been exceptional for the Blue Devils throwing 29/59 for 388 yards and 6 touchdowns. Last week, Quentin went 15/27 for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns in Duke’s smackdown of Northern Illinois. Through 4 games, the Blue Devils are averaging 427.3 yards per game, 207.8 yards passing and 219.5 yards rushing, and they are scoring 37.5 points a game. Their offense is ranked as the 60th best offense in the country. On defensive side of the ball, the Blue Devils are allowing 333.3 yards per game, 200 yards passing and 133.3 yards rushing, and give up an average of 15.7 points per game. Duke has the 36th overall defense in the country.
Keys to Success for Each Team
Virginia Tech
The most important factor for the Hokies is keeping a lead and not giving Duke any momentum. This means the Hokies defense will need to play lights out. After last week, Duke will most likely pick at the young Hokie DB’s like ODU did. We will need to see improvement from these players and the entire defense in order for the Hokies to be successful. Virginia Tech will also need to be in control of the tempo on offense. Long offensive drives that lead to touchdowns will be key. This will keep the Hokies young defense off the field.
Duke
For Duke, they need to target the young Hokie secondary. Like ODU, Duke needs to throw the ball down the field and take advantage of any 1v1 coverage opportunities. They also need to establish the running game and get the Hokies on their heels. If Duke can get a few big runs and get the Hokies to stack the box, they can then take a shot down the field with 1v1 coverage. On defense they need to shut down the Hokies QB Ryan Willis and force him to make desperate/forced throws. This gives Duke’s defense a chance to force a turnover and get their offense back on the field.
Players to Watch
Virginia Tech: QB Ryan Willis
All eyes will be on the Kansas transfer this weekend for his first start with the Hokies. Ryan started as a freshman for Kansas in 2015 throwing for 1,719 yards, 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Willis has a lot of potential, he just needs to make smart throws and takes care of the ball.
Duke: Quentin Harris
Since Duke’s starting QB went down with a broken collar bone, their backup QB has been playing exceptionally well. Quentin has thrown for 388 yards and 6 touchdowns over 2 full games. Quentin will threaten the Hokies young defense with his ability to throw and run the ball.
Score Prediction
I have Virginia Tech leaving Duke with a win and by a big margin. After being embarrassed by ODU, the Hokies will be looking to re-enter the Top 25 and show college football that they are still a legit team.
VT 39 Duke 17
