Don't really know what to say about the above game that hasn't already been said. Since there has been so much time leading up to this game, it's been analyzed to death.
When I first saw the matchup I immediately felt to go with VT. When I saw the line I definitely wanted to go with VT. USC is coming off a championship season and is looking to be one of the most powerful teams this year. The Hokies, meanwhile, are publicly perceived to be on the decline.
We all know that the line is all about public perception. It has nothing to do with the relative strengths of the teams, although many games do come remarkable near the line. To beat the line, however, we must be aware of when public perception is off.
This is one of those games where public perception is way off. Virginia Tech is a program, not a one-year wonder, with one of the best coaching staffs in America. They reload every year like most of the consistently winning programs. They are virtually at home, well rested, while USC is going to come in with jet-lag, after a pre-season filled with distractions and injuries. They are not exactly coming in as a well-oiled machine. The Hokies have real talent, they are well coached, and they come to play.
I was on Auburn
last season when I was certain the Tigers would welcome these left coast guys to the SEC. The public is well aware of what happened, how Auburn was dominated and embarrassed. The public were burned last year, and they want to make certain they aren't burned again this year. This time they'll be ready.
This game, however, is quite different from last year. Last year Auburn was the team coming in with all the hype. Knowing what you know now, would you have taken Auburn -3 in that game? Nope, you would think it was a ridiculous notion. USC turned out to be playing on a whole different level than Auburn. However, the hype had gone to Auburn, and public perception was way off.
This season USC is the team with all the hype. They are 17 (I got them at 18) point favorites because of public perception. I think realistically USC might win by 3 to 10 points, and there's a possibility of a major upset. Virginia Tech is the object of the anti-hype. They are mentioned, for example, as an afterthought regarding the new teams joining the ACC. All that hype goes to Miami -- who I predict will lose to Florida St on the 4th. Excellent game to watch; intense rivalry.
Anyway, how ready do you think VT is to play this game, to let out a little steam, to remind people of who they really are? USC, on the other hand, can't get up for this game. Everyone already knows who they are. They have nothing to prove.
Both offenses will be stifled by both defenses. This will be a low-scoring game, which I why I have a 7* on the under -- especially under the 54 that I originally got. (I originally posted these plays in my pre-season thread, at the time that I took them.)
I think this particular teaser is one of the best I have ever given you. If USC beats VT by more than 25 points, and if the total is over 61, I will be absolutely amazed. I still think the teaser has value, even with the current lines.
OK, that's it for this game. I'm already looking to the 4th.
Best of luck to each of you.
