Two struggling ACC squads renew their rivalry and play for their postseason lives Saturday, as Virginia Tech hosts rival Virginia Friday night in Blacksburg. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with television coverage on ESPN
How to watch Virginia vs. Virginia Tech: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
The Commonwealth Cup has serious postseason significance this season. Here’s how to see the game.
After an early September win over Ohio State, Virginia Tech’s season collapsed. The Hokies have lost six of their last nine games, including a 6-3 double-overtime loss to ACC Atlantic cellar-dweller Wake Forest last week. The Hokies failed to score in regulation during that game, and have scored fewer than 20 points in four of their last five games. Quarterback Michael Brewer had posted solid numbers in the first half of the year, but has failed to break 140 passing yards in three of Virginia Tech’s last four games, and the running game has failed to find its usual form.
Like their cross-state rivals, Virginia has lost four of its last five games. However, the Cavaliers followed a tough loss to Florida State with a 17-point win over Miami last week. Before that game, Virginia had not broken the 30-point mark in an ACC game.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: Friday, November 28, 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither Virginia nor Virginia Tech are ranked -- neither has been since early September -- and both are 5-6 overall entering Friday. Virginia is 3-4 in the ACC, while Tech is 2-5.
Vegas: Virginia is a 1-point favorite, with the over/under at low 40.5 points, per Odds Shark.
Weather forecast: Weather should be overcast and cool, with temperatures near kickoff hovering around 40 degrees.
Two things at stake
First and foremost, the Commonwealth Cup is on the line. The Hokies have won 14 of the previous 15 meetings with Virginia, including 10 straight going back to 2003. The Cup has resided in Charlottesville just three times since it was created in 1996.
As if that was not enough, both teams enter Friday with five wins. The winner will achieve bowl eligibility and continue its season into December. The loser is done. Friday will be the first time that both Virginia and Tech will play for their postseason lives since the game was added to the end of the schedule in 1990.
One big matchup
The Offenses vs. Vegas: The 40.5-point over/under is the lowest line on Friday and one of the lowest of the season. The Hokies have averaged just 23 points per game this season and just 15 per game in the last five contests. Virginia is hardly better, posting 26 points per game and 21 per game in ACC play. Throw in two defensive-minded head coaches and solid defenses, and this has the capacity to be one of the lowest-scoring games of the season.
Further reading
Gobbler Country covers Virginia Tech, while Streaking the Lawn handles the Cavaliers.
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