Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia meet for the 90th time in a
game with much more than the Commonwealth Cup on the line. The Hokies need to
beat UVA to win the Coastal Division and travel to Tampa next week to face
either Boston College or Florida State for the ACC Championship. The Wahoos need
to win to become bowl eligible, as well as spoil VT's season. A great deal of
pride within the Commonwealth is at stake, so what should we expect from these
up-and-down teams?
The Virginia Tech-Virginia series has a history of big plays in all phases of
the game, and this contest will likely be decided by a few critical plays. Both
teams have struggled with turnovers at times, so any advantage on giveaways
would be huge. Uncharacteristically, the Hokies committed five turnovers on the
first seven series last week against Duke, and UVA quarterback Marc Verica (#6,
6-1.5 206 4.79, r-So.) has thrown three interceptions in each of the last two
key losses against Wake Forest and Clemson. Both coaching staffs realize the
importance of big plays in determining the outcome of a game, so do not expect a
lot of unnecessary chances to be taken. However, both coaches will likely put a
few old tricks in the game plan, especially with the two offenses struggling so
much.