Virginia Tech (5-6, 3-4 in ACC) tries to send Frank Beamer out with one final regular-season win and a shot at a bowl game this Saturday. They travel to Charlottesville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers (4-7, 3-4 in ACC) in the annual Commonwealth Cup game between these two long-time rivals.
How to watch Virginia Tech vs. Virginia on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Can the Hokies send Frank Beamer out with a win?
The Hokies have won 11 straight in the series and 15 of the last 16 dating back to the late 90s. A win would secure bowl eligibility for Virginia Tech and possibly allow the farewell tour of the greatest coach in school history to continue for another month or so.
At Virginia, the Hoos are coming off a dramatic 21-point explosion in the first quarter that allowed them to upend the Duke Blue Devils, 42-34. With such a crowded coaching market, there's a chance that head coach Mike London is safe for the time being. A win would at least get the program to .500 in conference play, something that Virginia hasn't done since 2011.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, Noon ET, ESPNU
Radio: Virginia, Virginia Tech
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: Virginia Tech is favored by 3.5 points.
Make friends: Hokie fans can chat this game up over at Gobbler Country, while Streaking the Lawn has all the info for UVA fans.
Three big things to know
1. Matt Johns
UVA’s junior quarterback has turned the ball over too much, but he’s pretty solid overall with 19 touchdowns and a 62.7 percent completion rate. As strong as the Virginia Tech defense has been at times, it’s been a little vulnerable to big plays and ranks only 62nd in pass defense S&P+. So if Johns can get going, there may be some room for the home team through the air.
2. The most versatile running back you’ve never heard of
Virginia junior Taquan Mizzell is close to a very interesting milestone this season. If he can add 55 rushing yards and another 29 receiving, he'll be the first player to gain 700 rushing and 700 receiving yards in the same season since a trio of players (Percy Harvin, Marlon Lucky, Andre Callender) pulled off that feat in 2007.
3. Dan Mullen?
Okay, so he doesn't coach either team. Yet Mississippi State's head man appears to be looking to get out of Starkville as Dak Prescott leaves as well, and he's been rumored to have interest in both of these positions. At the moment, the Tech job is the only one that's sure to be open. But London is hardly safe at UVA, especially if the Cavs thought they could get their hands on a coach that's had success in a very difficult conference at a lower-tier program. Mullen may give this game a look-see to evaluate the options.
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