Virginia Tech vs. Liberty Prediction, Game Preview
Virginia Tech vs. Liberty prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who's projected to win the matchup between the
Virginia Tech vs. Liberty prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who’s projected to win the matchup between the Hokies and Flames.
Virginia Tech vs. Liberty Game Preview
Broadcast Info
Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Television Station: ESPN3
Virginia Tech vs. Liberty Storylines
New Hokies head coach Justin Fuente is replacing longtime head man Frank Beamer after his impressive run at Memphis, and dual-threat JUCO signal-caller Jerod Evans—who was recruited by Fuente to play at Memphis—may be the answer for the spread. Defensively, longtime coordinator Bud Foster remains. And while he lost some key pieces from last year’s unit, plenty of talent remains. A reinvigorated offense could be just what Virginia Tech needs to bounce back from consecutive 7-6 campaigns.
Meanwhile, Big South member Liberty is led by Turner Gill, the former Buffalo and Kansas head coach who is entering his fifth season. The Flames hope to get back into the FCS playoffs this fall, and quarterbacks coach Joe Dailey will look to put a spark in the offense as the team’s new coordinator.
Virginia Tech vs. Liberty Betting Odds
Spread: Virginia Tech -28.5
Over/Under: NA
Matchup to Watch
Stephon Masha vs. The VT front seven
Stephon Masha is the new starting quarterback for Liberty, and he doesn’t have a lot of experience under his belt. He has played in eight games, but served mostly as a runner. However, the Hokies have shown that they are susceptible to offensive attacks featuring running quarterbacks. Can Virginia Tech limit the damage by Masha on the ground?
Advantages
Offense: Virginia Tech. While it will be a new offense for the Hokies, we have watched Fuente field wildly successful units at Memphis. It will take time to implement in Blacksburg, but having Evans at quarterback is a good place to start.
Defense: Virginia Tech. In Bud We Trust.
Special Teams: Virginia Tech. It may no longer be Beamer Ball, but the Hokies maintain the edge.
Coaching: Even. Gill has turned around the Liberty program, but Fuente is a rising star in the coaching circles.
Intangibles: Virginia Tech is looking to kick off the Fuente era in style.
Virginia Tech vs. Liberty Prediction
The Hokies will show off their new and improved offense and make enough plays defensively to wipe out any chance of a Liberty upset.
Final Score Prediction For Liberty vs. Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech 42, Liberty 14
