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Vegas oddsmakers have spoken—the Virginia Cavaliers are four-point favorites over rivals Virginia Tech Hokies heading into the Hoos’ regular season finale in Blacksburg on Friday, November 23.
The Hoos have thus far had a remarkable season, going from being picked last in the conference to a surprising 7-4 record heading into the final game of the regular season. Equally surprising, the Hokies find themselves 4-6 overall, needing to beat Virginia on Friday for even a shot at making a bowl game.
If Virginia Tech wins for a 15th straight year, the Hokies will play a last-minute additional game against Marshall, to make up for a game against ECU that was cancelled earlier this season due to the hurricane. If Virginia is able to end the losing streak, Virginia Tech will not play Marshall, and will miss out on a bowl game this season.
The Hoos are currently tied for second among Power 5 schools for their record against the spread, at 8-3. Only Washington State, at a whopping 10-1, is better, while Texas A&M is tied with Virginia. Here’s how the Hoos have looked so far this season:
Virginia Football Against the Spread
| Date | Team | Closing Odds | Final Result | Against The Spread (Record ATS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Team | Closing Odds | Final Result | Against The Spread (Record ATS) |
| September 1 | Richmond | -14.5 | W 42-13 | W (1-0) |
| September 8 | @ Indiana | 5 | L 16-20 | W (2-0) |
| September 15 | Ohio | -4.5 | W 45-31 | W (3-0) |
| September 22 | Louisville | -4.5 | W 27-3 | W (4-0) |
| September 29 | @ NC State | 6.5 | L 21-35 | L (4-1) |
| October 13 | Miami | 7 | W 16-13 | W (5-1) |
| October 20 | @ Duke | 6.5 | W 28-14 | W (6-1) |
| October 27 | UNC | -8 | W 31-21 | W (7-1) |
| November 2 | Pittsburgh | -7 | L 13-23 | L (7-2) |
| November 10 | Liberty | -24 | W 45-24 | L (7-3) |
| November 17 | @ Georgia Tech | 6 | L 27-30 | W (8-3) |
| November 23 | @ Virginia Tech | -5 | L 31-34 | L (8-4) |
| December 29 | South Carolina (Belk Bowl) | 3.5 |
The Hokies have lost four straight games outright, and are 3-8 against the spread this season, failing to cover in the last six outings.
This is the first time Virginia has been favored over the Hokies since 2014, when the Hoos opened as just one-point favorites. The line closed with the Hoos favored by two, though the final score fell in the wrong direction, with Virginia Tech winning, 24-20.
With both teams suffering somewhat depleted rosters and both squads coming off losses, which will come out on top this Friday? Stay tuned to STL for coverage all week long. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. in Blacksburg, and the game will be televised nationally on ABC.