I never understood the Virginia Tech hype.

It’s no secret at this point that I’m from New Jersey. A state which very rarely cares about college football (sans the Rutgers run in the mid to late 2000s). For most of my childhood and teenage years, I was in the same boat. My friends and family only cared about what happened on Sundays. The only times I really paid significant attention was when I was trying to figure out which players I wanted the Raiders to take (they usually took the wrong ones) and I had no major ties. I had no dog in the fight and thus I didn’t really care.

That all changed of course when I transferred to Liberty. I was excited to get into college football the right way with a team that I could call my own. When I got on campus I was surprised to see how many orange and maroon tee shirts I saw. People in my dorm asked me who I liked better, UVA or Virginia Tech. To be honest I didn’t care but I always answered ODU just to see their reaction. Just about everyone I met had some sort of connection to Blacksburg; which was the root cause of their fandom. I couldn’t wrap my head around rooting for a school your cousin went to rather than the school you’re going to.

If you asked me that today my answer would be UVA. I’m a big DMB guy (20+ shows nbd) and they got their start in Charlottesville. Plus every time I drive through that town I love how it looks. I’ve never been to Blacksburg, however, I did once lie on a sign-out sheet that I was going there for the weekend. 

I know Tech has a storied history of almost winning big games but over the last ten years, it’s clear whose trajectory is heading in the right direction. If you’re one of those fans who rooted for Tech ten years ago and you’re jumping back on the bandwagon, welcome back. If you’re one of those die-hard, day-one LU fans who have looked over your shoulder only to see your classmates in maroon and orange, or heard it from your Tech family members about playing in bowl games, enjoy this moment when the Hokies come to town.

BREAKING NEWS: I just caught the covids so my trip is canceled. I’m trying to convince the hotel.com guy to refund me my money even though I accidentally booked for last weekend.  Will provide updates as we go.

And now for picks!

Last Week 2-3

YTD: 26-29

I’ll take 2-3 every single week. I’ve avoided a disaster 1-4 week and I’m due for a big week. This is my first time with the coco so I’m technically undefeated since testing positive. Do with that information as you please.

They’re saying I can’t invoke my insurance because the check-in date past. Another L for ol’ Longshots 

This week!

We kick things off Friday night with the nightcap over on Fox Sports after the Liberty hoops game. SDSU travels to UNM in which they are giving 14.5 with a wildly low over-under of 36.5. SDSU might have figured out how to move the ball after last weeks victory over SJSU where they scored 43. UNM hasn’t kept it within 14.5. since their rivalry game with NMSU a month ago.

San Diego State -14.5 against University of New Mexico

Liberty time! I am STILL retired from taking a Liberty side which is probably for the better as they’re now 1-5 ATS as favorites this year, Ten points is a ton for an in-state rivalry. I’m confident Tech is gonna get up for this game and for that reason I’m not touching either side. However! I’m not gonna not bet on this game. While I expected to be there my bet isn’t changing. Over! 46 isn’t a ton of points with what Liberty’s offense can do. 30-17 and it’s an over. Might be a sweat but it’s still over!

Liberty/Virginia Tech Over 46.5

Alright mid-afternoon, weekend MACtion. This is strictly a bet against Akron as opposed to a bet for Buffalo. I saw this number at two touchdowns and I had to jump all over it.  Buffalo is looking to bounce back after losing two on the road and lock up bowl eligibility.

Buffalo -13.5 against Akron

(game has been postponed due to expected snow)

The next two are going to be a combo. Not a parlay but my rationale is the same for both games. Any time an over/under is in the low 30’s I’m going to bet it. I just can’t fathom two terrible teams not making any wild errors like blocked punts and weird plays that lead to points for sixty minutes.

In the same breath, if you give me an over-under in the 70’s I’m going to be all in too. Especially when that game features two coaches that don’t believe in defenses. I don’t love the new overtime rules because it hinders a classic 7 overtime game that nets an extra thirty points but I will feel confident.

Iowa/Minnesota over 32.5

USC/UCLA Over 74.5

To everyone going to the games this weekend have a good time in my memory. Covid stinks. See you at the bowl game.