Virginia Tech vs. Furman prediction and game preview. Will the Hokies respond after their opening-game loss to Ohio State? We analyze the matchup here.
The Virginia Tech Hokies want to even their record and move past the Ohio State loss, beginning with this Saturday’s visit from Furman. We take a look at the two teams below in the Virginia Tech vs. Furman prediction and game preview.
Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: ESPN3
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Virginia Tech not only hung with top-ranked Ohio State, it led after halftime. And then the house caved in, exacerbated by a collarbone injury to QB Michael Brewer. The Hokies got left in the Buckeye dust, ending hopes of sending shockwaves throughout college football. They’ll turn their attention to ACC contention … and Furman, which opened with a 38-35 loss to Coastal Carolina.
It’s going to be brutally tough for the Hokies to get back up for an FCS visitor, just five days after the emotion of the Ohio State game. Tech will also be without its quarterback for at least a month, whereas Paladin pitcher Reese Hannon opened with a 365-yard, two-touchdown effort. Plus, the Hokie ground game remains hit-or-miss.
Forget the Buckeye loss. Tech is still home to one of the nastiest defenses in the country. The Hokies will get back to hitting opposing backfields with waves of pass rushers, and blanketing receivers with the elite cornerback tandem of Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson. Hannon will be picked off at least two times Saturday.
With Brewer out, Frank Beamer turns to junior Brenden Motley, who came off the bench to go 4-of-9 for 36 yards, a touchdown and a pick. He’s more mobile than Brewer, but he’s not as gifted as a passer, which will make a very good corps of receivers and tight ends a little less potent going forward.
It’ll take at least 15 or 20 minutes for Virginia Tech to shake its head fog. But by the second quarter, the defense will be swarming and RB J.C. Coleman will be providing the spark on offense. Once the Hokies build a cushion, it’ll force Hannon to test traffic areas, which is a recipe for turnovers.
It’s that time, ladies and gentlemen. The Virginia Tech vs. Furman prediction is …
Final Score: Virginia Tech 35, Furman 13
Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 1