Nebraska vs Virginia Tech Odds - Defense, special teams to carry Hokies

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech odds will be a Top 25 matchup this weekend and there is plenty of intrigue. Nebraska is trying to climb up the Big 12 ladder while the Hokies are trying to regain their footing after an opening week loss to Alabama. The Hokies have stellar special teams and the better defense, which is why online betting cappers should lay the points.

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech odds: Virginia Tech

• WHAT: NCAA Football betting
  
• WHEN: Saturday, September 19th –3:30 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Lane Stadium – Blacksburgh, VA
  
• PICK: Virginia Tech -3.5

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Cornhuskers are trying to prove that they are a contender in the Big 12 and the favorite in the Big 12 North, and so far, so good. Their November 14th meeting with Kansas will likely determine their fate in the conference but a win in Blacksburg could give their BCS hopes some credence.

For the Hokies, they need a bounce-back win against a Top 25 team to show that they are still the dominant team in the ACC. They rebounded last week with a Marshall 52-10 but that was a cupcake. They have to win against Nebraska to get back on track.

Betting Edge: Virginia Tech

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Cornhuskers offense has been improving under Zac Lee. The team has averaged 43 points per game in the first two contests but that was against Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic. He’ll get his real first test this week. Nebraska is still a developing offense and their running game is not steady, which is risky as they head out on the road against a very good defense.

The Hokies offense isn’t anything special, but they manufacture points. Tyrod Taylor isn’t a very efficient passer but he gets the job done, and Nebraska’s defense has had some issues with mobile quarterbacks. The Hokies’ freshman tandem of running backs, Ryan Williams and David Wilson, are rolling right now and they should have another good game on Saturday.

Betting Edge: Virginia Tech

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech odds maker breakdown: Defense
Bo Pellini has clearly turned around the Huskers defense but they still aren’t dominant. They are improved and their aggressive schemes stifled Arkansas State’s passing offense last week, but the defense still has some soft spots. They gave up 186 rushing yards to Arkansas State last week, which is an ominous sign.

The Hokies defense did have a tough time against Alabama, but some of those problems were communication errors and mental breakdowns. They bounced back against Marshall, holding them to 10 points, 10 first downs just 252 total yards. This is one of the best defenses in the country.

Betting Edge: Virginia Tech

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Hokies have a couple of bumps and bruises, including cornerback Stephan Virgil - who didn’t dress for the Marshall game but hopes to return for the contest against Nebraska - and linebacker Cam Martin, who is expected to play but did dislocated his finger last week. Neither injury should affect the line in the sportsbook.

Betting Edge: Nebraska

Nebraska vs Virginia Tech State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The NCAA football betting crowd should stick with the Hokies in this contest. They’re back at home and need to make a statement against a credible foe. While their passing game is still a work in progress, their defense and special teams are superior to Nebraska’s. Expect the Hokies to get the win and cover this week.

TONY’S PICK: Hokies -3.5

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Tony Bryant is one of betonline.com's college football experts.