Virginia Tech at Old Dominion 9/2/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The Virginia Tech Hokies visit S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia on Friday to play the Old Dominion Monarchs. Virginia Tech finished 6-7 overall and 4-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season. Brent Pry is the new head coach of the Hokies. Grant Mills transferred from Marshall and is the favorite to start at quarterback and will battle against Jason Brown who transferred from South Carolina.

Caleb Smith is the leading receiver returning from last year but caught only 20 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Jaden Blue is a transfer from Temple who will stretch the field for the Hokies. Malachi Thomas rushed for 440 yards and three touchdowns last season and will be joined by Jalen Hoisten. The Virginia Tech offensive line he is expected to provide strong pass protection.

Old Dominion finished 6-7 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt Conference last season. Hayden Wolff returns as the starting quarterback and last season passed for nearly 2,000 yards while throwing 10 touchdown passes and completing 63% of his passes. Blake Watson returns as the leading rusher from last season after gaining 1,121 yards with eight touchdowns. Ali Jennings returns as the top receiver and last season averaged 17 yards per reception.

Old Dominion lost several of its starters on defense, but the top pass rushers are back. Marcus Hart led the Monarch, as a non-starter, with 5.5 quarterback sacks. Alonzo Ford and Tyre Bibby are also back to rush the passer. Ryan Henry will anchor the linebacker corps, while the secondary is led by Tre Hawkins who as a cornerback last season made 76 tackles.