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Virginia Tech Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Pitt in Week 12

By Dana Becker

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 04: Deshawn McClease #33 of the Virginia Tech Hokies rushes during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 04: Deshawn McClease #33 of the Virginia Tech Hokies rushes during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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With just two weeks left, Virginia Tech football finds themselves in a fight just to place second in the ACC Coastal division.

The Hokies (7-3, 3-3 ACC) take on Pittsburgh (4-6, 2-4) this Saturday looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

When November started, Virginia Tech still had an outside shot at competing for the national title and were set for a showdown with Miami for the division title. The Hokies, though, fell to the Hurricanes, 28-10, and were bested last week at Georgia Tech, 28-22.

It will likely feel pretty good for the players and coaches to be back in the comforts of Lane Stadium, as they scored convincing wins over Duke (24-3) and North Carolina (59-7) in their two most recent home games.

Pittsburgh was looking for its third consecutive victory last Saturday but were stunned by North Carolina, 34-31. The Panthers had posted back-to-back triumphs over Virginia and Duke.

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 18
Time: 12:20 p.m. ET
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Venue: Lane Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Darrin Hall has had three straight strong performances, but will go up against a Virginia Tech defense that is allowing just 136 yards rushing per game and under 15 points.

Hall ran for 254 yards and scored three touchdowns vs. Duke, followed that up with 111 yards and a score vs. Virginia, and had 121 yards and four touchdowns last week vs. North Carolina.

The Hokies have struggled in recent weeks with stopping the run, as Georgia Tech used 57 carries to generate 261 yards on the ground, with Miami gaining 210 yards on 34 totes.

If Virginia Tech can get back to stopping the run with success, Josh Jackson should have no trouble finding Cam Phillips and Sean Savoy for big plays in the passing game on offense.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 11 edition

Prediction

The Hokies have plenty to play for, as wins over Pittsburgh and Virginia would get them to nine wins on the year and a 5-3 mark in the ACC. As long as the defense is ready to go against Hall, they should have little trouble snapping their two-game losing streak at home.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Pittsburgh 10

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