As the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3) prepare to travel to face the Stanford Cardinal (2-2) on October 5, 2024, at Stanford Stadium, both teams aim to bounce back after tough losses. Virginia Tech, fresh off a narrow 38-34 defeat against the Miami Hurricanes, enters this ACC showdown as a 6.5-point favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Meanwhile, Stanford looks to recover from a 40-14 loss to Clemson.
Game Overview
– Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Stanford Cardinal
– Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
– Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
– Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
– TV Channel: ACC Network
– Live Stream: Fubo
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech has struggled with consistency this season, holding a 2-3 record. Despite their recent loss to Miami, the Hokies showcased offensive promise. Quarterback Kyron Drones completed 19-of-33 passes for 189 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding 52 rushing yards. Running back Bhayshul Tuten was a standout, rushing for 141 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Stephen Gosnell contributed 53 yards on four receptions.
On defense, the Hokies are led by Antwaun Powell, who has 21 tackles and 6.5 sacks on the season, and Mose Phillips III, who has 32 tackles and an interception.
Virginia Tech Key Stats:
– Kyron Drones: 954 passing yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs, 261 rushing yards
– Bhayshul Tuten: 532 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 106.4 YPG
– Jaylin Lane: 296 receiving yards, 1 TD
Stanford Overview
The Stanford Cardinal enter the game with a 2-2 record, coming off a 40-14 loss to No. 17 Clemson. Despite the tough result, Stanford showed promise, especially in the running game. Freshman running back Micah Ford had an impressive performance, rushing for 122 yards on 15 carries, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt. Quarterback Ashton Daniels, while contributing 91 rushing yards, struggled through the air, throwing three interceptions. This brings Daniels’ season total to 633 passing yards, five touchdowns, but also six interceptions. Stanford moved the ball effectively, totaling 361 yards in the game, but turnovers and missed fourth-down conversions stifled their momentum.
Defensively, Stanford relies on key players like David Bailey, who leads the team with two sacks, and Collin Wright, who has recorded two interceptions. As they prepare for their matchup against Virginia Tech, the Cardinal will look to capitalize on their strong running game and improve their passing efficiency to secure a win.
Stanford Key Stats:
– Ashton Daniels: 633 passing yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTs, 252 rushing yards
– Micah Ford: 176 rushing yards, 44.0 YPG
– Elic Ayomanor: 284 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Betting Odds & Trends
– Spread: Virginia Tech -6.5
– Moneyline: Virginia Tech -230, Stanford +189
– Total: 54 points
Virginia Tech Betting Trends:
– Virginia Tech is 2-3 against the spread (ATS) this season.
– The Hokies are 1-2 ATS as a 6.5-point favorite or greater.
– Three of Virginia Tech’s four games have hit the over.
Stanford Betting Trends:
– Stanford is 2-2 ATS this season.
– The Cardinal are 2-1 ATS as a 6.5-point underdog or more.
– Only one of Stanford’s four games has hit the over.
Key Matchup to Watch
The key matchup in this game will be Virginia Tech’s strong running attack, led by Bhayshul Tuten, against Stanford’s defense. Stanford has struggled to stop the run, and if Tuten can replicate his Miami performance, it could spell trouble for the Cardinal. Additionally, the Hokies’ defense, which showed signs of life against Miami, will need to capitalize on turnovers to limit Stanford’s offense, which has been prone to mistakes this season.
Prediction
Virginia Tech’s offense seems to have found its rhythm, while Stanford continues to struggle with turnovers. If the Hokies can maintain their running game and pressure Ashton Daniels, they should be able to cover the spread and secure a road win.
