#25 Liberty will put its perfect record on the line this weekend in Lane Stadium against Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech, the powerhouse of the Commonwealth of Virginia for decades, will be a tall task for the Flames. Virginia Tech has long enjoyed a recruiting advantage over Liberty, and while the differences are clear between the two teams, Liberty has a chance to pull off a win.
Virginia Tech is led by star senior running back Khalil Herbert. Herbert is fourth in the nation in rushing yards with 883. He’s averaging over eight yards per carry to go with six rushing touchdowns. While the Flames will likely not be able to completely neutralize Herbert, limiting his explosive plays will be a focal point for the Flames defense.
At quarterback, the Hokies are led by junior Hendon Hooker. Hooker, has thrown for 653 yards this year for four touchdowns and three interceptions this season, is also a threat to run the football. Hooker is averaging about 18 carries per game over the last three games and is capable of scrambling for extra yardage on broken plays.
Junior tight end James Mitchell leads the team with four receiving touchdowns. In addition to Mitchell, Hooker tends to target two receivers: Tayvion Robinson and Tre Turner. While Mitchell is the Hokies’ favorite redzone target, the Hokies distribute the ball evenly between the receivers. Neither Mitchell, Robinson, nor Turner has caught more than four passes in a game this season.
On defense, the Hokies surrender an average of 30 points per game and rank 88th in the nation. The Hokie defense is hit-or-miss: in week one against NC State, Virginia Tech surrendered 24 points. In week two against Duke, 31; against North Carolina, 56; against Boston College, 14; 23 against Wake Forest, and 35 against Louisville. The unit is led by junior DB Chamari Cooper, who leads the team with 48 tackles (34 solo).
Virginia Tech, in the words of Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze, is “bigger, faster, stronger, and deeper” than Liberty. The Hokies are 14-point favorites against the Flames, but I don’t think Tech will cover.
I’ve been wrong both times I’ve picked Liberty to lose this season. The Flames are undefeated, ranked, and have tons of momentum. A bye week also gave the Flames time to prepare for the Hokies and get healthy: CJ Yarbrough and Noah Frith will play Saturday, giving Malik Willis a bevy of options to choose from.
Nobody has stopped Malik Willis yet, and I don’t think the Hokies will either. This game will likely be a shootout that is decided in the fourth quarter. The Hokies are more talented, but the Flames will be well-rested and up for the challenge.
I’m betting the over in this one. Flames 35, Hokies 31. Liberty will pull the upset and jump a few spots in the AP Top 25 poll.
