What Does ESPN’s FPI Predict for the Game Against Duke?
Will the Hokies Secure a Win and Become Bowl Eligible?
Virginia Tech and Duke have had contrasting seasons so far. Duke has had a relatively soft non-conference schedule, which has helped them achieve a 7-3 record, good for a tie for fourth in the ACC. Virginia Tech, however, has faced more adversity. Outside of their 24-14 loss to Clemson—where quarterback Grant Wells and running back Bhayshul Tuten were both dealing with injuries—the Hokies’ other losses have all been by a single possession.
The Hokies’ season began with a tough loss to Vanderbilt, which, in hindsight, doesn’t look as bad, but their defeat to Rutgers was less excusable. Virginia Tech also lost to Syracuse after holding a 21-3 lead, with LeQuint Allen proving too much for the Hokies’ defense late in the game. Another near miss came against Miami, where the Hokies thought they had won with a game-ending touchdown, only for the play to be overturned after a lengthy review, leading to a heartbreaking loss.
Despite these close losses, Virginia Tech could have easily won every game on their schedule, with the exception of the disappointing loss to Clemson.
Duke, on the other hand, has also had some tough defeats. After keeping things close with Miami, they were blown out by Washington State 53-31, and Georgia Tech handed them a two-score loss, limiting the Blue Devils to just 279 total yards.
While Duke has seven wins, they’ve yet to fully prove themselves. Their best victories have come in narrow one-score games against Northwestern, UConn, North Carolina, and Florida State.
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