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Virginia Tech Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Virginia in Week 13

By Connor Muldowney

BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 18: Defensive back Jovonn Quillen #26 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Panthers with defensive back Bryce Watts #28 in the second half at Lane Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 18: Defensive back Jovonn Quillen #26 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Panthers with defensive back Bryce Watts #28 in the second half at Lane Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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Virginia Tech football will travel to Virginia for an in-state ACC battle. Here’s everything you need to know for the rivalry game.

At one point this season, Virginia Tech looked like a strong contender in the ACC. A loss to the Clemson Tigers was almost expected, but the Hokies have lost two of their last three games. ON Friday, they will get a chance to finish the season strong with a 9-3 record and a win over in-statr rival Virginia.

Freshman quarterback Josh Jackson has filled in nicely at quarterback, passing for 2,600 yards and 18 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. However, he hasn’t passed for over 250 yards since Oct. 7 and that’s a trend that needs to change. Senior receiver Cam Phillips has been his favorite target, catching 68 passes for 918 yards and seven scores. They have been a deadly duo.

Virginia, on the other hand, has been one of the biggest surprises in the ACC thanks to Bronco Mendenhall. The Cavaliers are 6-5 heading into the final week of the season with a chance to take down the Hokies in upset fashion.

Senior quarterback Kurt Benkert nearly helped lead the Cavaliers past the undefeated Miami Hurricanes in Week 12, but he fell just short. He’s been a pleasant surprise this season, passing for 2,876 yards and 25 touchdowns with eight interceptions — all career-bests. Watch out for do-it-all athlete Olamide Zaccheaus who could be a major weapon in this one.

Here’s how you can watch Friday’s Virginia Tech vs. Virginia game:

Date: Friday, Nov. 24
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Charlottesville, Va.
Venue: Scott Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For Virginia Tech, Jackson needs to get back on track and gain some confidence early on against the Cavaliers. He hasn’t had a strong game in over a month and it’s time for him to get back on track. Moreover, the Hokies are going to need to get that run game going against the Cavaliers’ mediocre run defense.

On the Cavaliers’ end of things, Benkert needs to build on his performance from the Miami game. If Virginia is going to pull off the upset, he needs to play like he did against the Hurricanes a week ago. Defensively, getting after Jackson in the pocket and forcing him to make some poor throws will be important.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 12

Prediction

This is going to be a hard-nosed rivalry game and it will go down to the wire, somewhat as expected. Josh Jackson will pass for over 250 yards for the first time since the beginning of October and Cam Phillips will have his second consecutive 100-yard game. Virginia Tech is the stronger team this season, but this rivalry is going to be really good over the next couple of years with Justin Fuente and Bronco Mendenhall at the helms.

Final Score: Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 21

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