In a battle of two programs that prefer to run the football, the Kentucky Wildcats are set to take the field against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Kickoff for this importantmatchup is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET and ESPN will broadcast the action.
Betting Preview: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies are 8-4 straight up (SU) in 2019 while the Wildcats are 7-5 SU.
The Hokies lost to Virginia 39-30 in a contest where the passing attack could’ve been sharper as Hendon Hooker completed 18-of-30 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Hooker (44 rushing yards on 21 attempts, one TD) also spearheaded the running attack and was complemented by Deshawn McClease (86 yards on 16 carries, one TD). Tre Turner (seven receptions, 134 yards, one TD) and Damon Hazelton (seven catches, 118 yards) handled the receiving duties in the defeat.
Kentucky just earned a 45-13 win over Louisville. As a group, the Wildcats collectively completed one-of-two passes for 4 yards. Lynn Bowden Jr. went one-for-two for four yards while Allen Dailey Jr. was -of- for yards. Bowden Jr. (284 yards on 22 rush attempts, four TDs) and Christopher Rodriguez Jr. (125 yards on nine carries, one TD) mounted the running game while Clevan Thomas Jr. (one receptions, 4 yards) led the pass-catching corps in the win.
Virginia Tech’s run the ball on 64.3 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Kentucky has a rush percentage of 68 percent. The Hokies have run for 172.5 yards/game and have 21 scores on the ground this year. The Wildcats are averaging 274.4 rushing yards per game and have 33 total rush TDs.
The Hokies offense has logged 217.3 yards/game in the air overall and has 22 passing scores so far. The Wildcats have put up 117.1 pass yards per outing and have eight total pass TDs.
Virginia Tech has allowed opponents to rush for an average of 123.3 yards and throw for 236.6 yards per game. The Kentucky D has allowed 172.7 yards per game to opposing passers and 148.9 yards per game on the ground. The Wildcats are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of only 4.51 to opposing QBs, while the Hokies have given up a 5.14 ANY/A.
Offensively, Hooker is up to 1,292 passing yards this year. He’s completed 61 percent of his 127 attempts with nine scores through the air and only two interceptions. He’s got a 9.24 adjusted net yards per pass attempt overall, although that number is 6.98 over the last two outings.
Look for Hooker to distribute the football early and often in this one. Tre Turner (504 receiving yards and three touchdowns), Tayvion Robinson (312 yards, one TD) and Damon Hazelton (504 yards, six TDs) have all been heavily involved recently.
On the other sideline, Lynn Bowden Jr. has completed 28-of-56 passes for 321 yards, two TDs and one INT. Bowden Jr.’s ANY/A stands at a mediocre 4.80 for the year and -4.00 across his last two outings.
We’re looking for Wildcats to maintain the clock by pounding the defense with their running backs. In addition to Lynn Bowden Jr. (348 receiving yards, one receiving TD), Christopher Rodriguez Jr. (466 rush yards, four rush TDs) and Asim Rose (652 rush yards, five rush TDs) have been significant factors in the Kentucky offense.
Virginia Tech Hokies at Kentucky Wildcats Free Pick
SU Winner: Virginia Tech
Betting Trends
- The Kentucky offense has lost 11 fumbles this season while Virginia Tech has lost 14.
- The Virginia Tech defense has 36 sacks on the year while Kentucky has 32.
- As a team, Virginia Tech has produced 3.8 yards per carry across its past three contests and 3.0 over its last two.
- Kentucky has averaged 9.7 yards per carry over its last three outings and 11.5 over its last two.
