Home Forums Skybox Sports Bar First and Goal Ark. St./V-Tech information, analysis, and selection

SELECTION: ARKANSAS STATE +37 over Virginia Tech <p>Virginia Tech kicks off their 2002 season when they take on the Arkansas State Indians at Lane Field in Blacksburg in the third annual Hispanic College Fund Football Classic. The Hokies jumped out to a 5-0 start last season in large part because of a weak early schedule. While back-to-back losses to Syracuse and Pittsburgh knocked Tech out of the National Championship race, the 8-4 overall finish was good enough for head coach Frank Beamer's ninth straight bowl appearance. <p>This season was thrown into jeopardy in the spring when starting quarterback Grant Noel tore the ACL in his left knee. Instead of surgery, the quarterback opted for rehab and appears to be ready to start the season. The passing attack will simply be asked to provide some help to the Hokie running game, which could prove to be the nation's most lethal. Lee Suggs earned 2000 Big East Offensive Player of the Year honors and appears to be back to his old form after missing all of last year to injury. In his absence, freshman Kevin Jones was the league's top rookie after gaining 957 yards in 2001. The duo should split time in the backfield, giving the Hokies a fresh tailback at any point in the game. The Tech defense has the task of replacing six starters on this side of the ball, including the top five tacklers from last year. <p>Arkansas State had a difficult season in 2001, finishing the year with a 2-9 record overall and just 2-4 in the Sun Belt Conference. Head coach Joe Hollis was replaced by Steve Roberts, formerly of I-AA's Northwestern State. Coach Robert's first order of business is to revamp last season's weak offense. WR James Hickenbotham is back and we expect to see some excitement from him at the RB and KR positions as well. The most promising aspects of the team are the lines, as all five starters are back on offense, including Lombardi Award candidate Garry Johnson, and they will be fielding their strongest defensive line ever. <p>The Indians could be a pleasant surprise this season and we see value in this huge point spread. Arkansas State is 7-2 ATS in season openers, and while we expect the Hokies to score plenty of points, Arkansas State is still 5-2 ATS even when allowing 28+. Tech will have no problem with the Indians and no doubt will be looking ahead to next week's huge home game vs. LSU. Look for a very "vanilla" game plan from the Hokies and to give their starters plenty of rest in the Virginia heat and humidity, so as to be fresh for next Sunday's big game. V-Tech is obviously not taking the Indians seriously as Coach Frank Beamer has had to shake his team up a bit to grab their attention, announcing that three players have been suspended due to violations of team rules. Ronyell Whitaker, Terrell Parham and Lamar Cobb will all miss the game. The Hokies are just 1-3 ATS in their last 4 tries as a favorite of 30+ points and we see no reason for them expend the extra energy for a cover in this one. <p>FINAL SCORE: Virginia Tech 38 Arkansas State 10 <p>For a daily complimentary GAMEDAY INVESTMENT FREE-LERT simply drop us a blank e-mail at: FREE-LERT@proinfosports.com<p>http://www.proinfosports.com

I agree. Also, VT defense looks pittfull. Only 5 returning starters on D and two of them suspended for this game. The only returning starter at LB is playing with a sore hamstring. Ark St rb has no exp. but a good off line should help. Heres hoping that no exp does not equal fumbles. Ark St will score. VT will run 3/4ths of the time. Suggs wants to prove he at top level again. Noel will have no problem just handing off with his sore knee. Ark. State gave up an average of 182 rushing yards per game last year. VT will bet that mark, especailly with the D converting to a 4-2-5 defense. Not that ASU defense is not any good. They have lots of exp., but just the wrong scheme for this game. I just do not see VT having enough time and keeping starters in to put up enough points cover. I am taking the +37.

We completely agree. V-Tech has to save their best effort and gameplan for LSU NEXT Sunday.<p>Poor Ark State - After long trip to Va and playing in 90+ heat index they have to go back home and play San Jose St on a short week. Spartans could be worth a look if Ark. State stays in this one very long and exhaust themselves.

Great write up. Posts like these is exactly what should be done in the forums. The more info and insight the better. Of course not all plays will win, but at least there is a lot of thought and research, along with time put into it.<p>I normally don't allow posts with links to other sites, but this type of post has value, and hey if it brings you some business so be it.<p>Tj -- Nice follow up post... <p>Keep em coming !!!<p>Personally I think the # will be tight to the spread, the homer will want to try to keep the betting alumuni happy... Pass on this game for me.