Virginia Tech Hokies vs Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Bowl Bid on Line in Blacksburg for UVA, Virginia Tech

Virginia and Virginia Tech will battle for bowl eligibility under the Saturday night lights in Blacksburg, Va., as the Commonwealth Clash concludes the regular season for both teams.

Both squads enter the matchup with identical records (5-6 overall, 3-4 ACC) and high stakes. The Cavaliers aim for their first bowl appearance under third-year head coach Tony Elliott, while the Hokies hope to secure their second consecutive postseason berth with Brent Pry at the helm.

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Recent Form and History

Virginia comes into the game struggling, having dropped five of its last six contests. By contrast, Virginia Tech is also reeling, riding a three-game losing streak.

The Hokies have dominated the rivalry recently, winning the last three meetings and maintaining a perfect home record against Virginia since 1998. This season, Virginia Tech is 3-2 at Lane Stadium, while Virginia boasts a matching 3-2 mark on the road.

Hokies’ Close-Call Struggles

Virginia Tech’s recent 31-28 loss to Duke epitomized its frustrating season. The Hokies have suffered five losses by seven points or fewer in 2023. Despite doubling Duke’s first downs (24-12) and tripling their rushing yards (190-64), Virginia Tech couldn’t recover from an early 31-17 deficit.

Wide receiver Ali Jennings voiced his frustration with the team’s inability to capitalize in close games:

“A lot of times we are the better team, but we shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Injuries have added to the Hokies’ woes. Quarterback Collin Schlee started in place of the injured Kyron Drones (knee) but exited midgame due to injury, paving the way for freshman William “Pop” Watson III. Drones, who torched Virginia last season with three touchdown passes in a 55-17 rout, is listed as day-to-day.

Cavaliers’ Quarterback Questions

Virginia’s offensive struggles were on full display in last weekend’s 33-7 loss to then-No. 13 SMU. The Cavaliers didn’t score until the fourth quarter, with Anthony Colandrea connecting on a late touchdown pass to Malachi Fields.

Colandrea has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has been inconsistent, with 13 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. Head coach Tony Elliott faces a critical decision on whether to stick with Colandrea or turn to Tony Muskett, who some believe offers a steadier presence.

“We gotta figure out who gives us the best shot,” Elliott said. “Whoever’s your quarterback, he’s got to have help from his supporting cast all the way around.”

Keys to Victory

• Virginia Tech: The Hokies need to avoid the self-inflicted mistakes that have plagued them in close games. A healthy Kyron Drones could also be a significant factor if he’s cleared to play.
• Virginia: The Cavaliers must establish offensive consistency, regardless of who starts at quarterback, and find ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

High Stakes and History

With bowl eligibility hanging in the balance, the stage is set for an emotional clash between two rivals. Virginia Tech will look to extend its home dominance over the Cavaliers, while Virginia hopes to snap the streak and secure its postseason spot. For both teams, this game represents more than a rivalry—it’s a chance to keep their seasons alive.