Prime-Time First TD Bets — Monday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
Sometimes there’s a spread that stands out immediately and you have to double check to see if you misread it. In Week 3 of the college football season, No. 15 Virginia Tech travels to West Virginia as road underdogs. We’ll explore whether this is a mistake or if oddsmakers have correctly identified this spread.
Last week’s slate brought a couple of landscape-altering losses for blueblood programs. The Hokies and Mountaineers aren’t yet in that category but have earned respect throughout the years for their continued competitiveness.
This Week 3 matchup has a great spread and should be an entertaining battle.
We have you covered from every angle of this matchup. Let’s dig in.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Week 3 Odds
Here is a look at the Week 3 betting odds between Virginia Tech and West Virginia odds, courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook.
- West Virginia -3 (-105)
- Over/Under: 50.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: West Virginia -145, Virginia Tech +125
Virginia Tech at West Virginia game preview
Here’s a look at the preview between Virginia Tech and West Virginia for Week 3.
West Virginia offense vs. Virginia Tech defense
Despite having a great running back in Leddie Brown, the West Virginia offense has been far more reliant on transfer quarterback Jarrett Doege. This isn’t a good thing when projecting against better competition. The Mountaineers have averaged over 300 yards per game passing but only 3.2 yards per-rush.
Those numbers have come against lowly Maryland in an upset loss, and then a 66-0 win against some school named LIU. We have to take any positive outcome from last week with a massive grain of salt considering the lack of competition this team has seen.
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has one of the best defenses in the country. They’ve allowed under 59% passing for 245 yards through the air, and just 106 yards on 3.2 yards per carry on the ground. And they faced North Carolina and Middle Tennessee State, two much more formidable opponents with studs on offense.
Virginia Tech offense vs. West Virginia defense
The Hokies’ passing attack is far from scary, as they’re averaging only 164 yards on 61.7% completion rate. But Braxton Burmeister is a rushing threat and takes care of the ball well enough to trust him in big games. They know they’re not an explosive unit and have a great defense to help create advantageous situations for them to capitalize on.
What we like is a rotation of rushers who have been good enough, and star receiver Tre Turner providing big plays over the top. I expect the offense to open up more this week unless West Virginia turns the ball over like UNC did in Week 1. The talent has to respond, but there’s more reason to think they will step up.
The Mountaineers have allowed a high completion rate at 65%, but limited yards (196 per game). The run defense has been superb, with less than 100 yards and only 2.7 yards per carry. Again though, they’ve achieved this against talent that’s not quite comparable to Virginia Tech’s.
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Betting trends for Virginia Tech at West Virginia
Virginia Tech has gone under in five of their last six games. They’ve covered in five of their last seven against West Virginia, though, and have won seven of nine outright.
The Mountaineers have won their last six home games straight up but have struggled to cover the spread over the last year. They’ve gone 5-5 ATS since last October.
CFB betting picks – Virginia Tech at West Virginia
Virginia Tech has an excellent defense to rely on in this road matchup. Their balanced offense is nothing special, but it’s more threatening than what they’ve had in recent years. The Mountaineers don’t have the efficiency needed to win outright and we score a value.
Best bets: Virginia Tech Moneyline (+125) and Under 50.5 (-110)
