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Hokies Football: East Carolina at Virginia Tech Predictions

After a statement 49-0 victory over the Boston College Eagles, the Virginia Tech Hokies are back for the 2016 Homecoming game against a foe that has been a nuisance over the past two years, the East Carolina Pirates. The Pirates have beat the Hokies in back-to-back seasons, and every Hokie fan is hoping that the streak ends this year. Virginia Tech is actually fairly heavy favorites by Vegas but this game has never followed what Vegas insiders have thought. With that said, here's our predictions for the Hokies' final Saturday home game till mid-November.

JW Gravley: VT 38, ECU 35

Henry Skutt

East Carolina has been the thorn in the side for the Hokies the past couple years. Each of the last two losses have come after games where Virginia Tech fans started to feel optimistic. In 2014, it was right after the big upset win over Ohio State. In 2015, it was after Brenden Motley showed some promise against Furman and Purdue. This year, the Hokies are coming off a huge blowout win in their ACC opener against Boston College. However, this year is going to be different. The offense has proved effective for the first time in a very long time, and the defense is one of the best in the country right now -- 80% of opponents drives haven't gotten past the 50 yard line. Jerod Evans at quarterback has proven that he can lead this team and the defense has athletes all over the place. Combine all those factors with what should be an electric atmosphere for the homecoming game, and Virginia Tech should come out as winners in this game.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 41, East Carolina 20

Dwight Lester

Hokie fans, it's homecoming weekend. This usually means a lot of Virginia Tech Alumni will be in lane stadium wearing orange to support the Hokies. This is a game that fans will definitely need to support the team. The Hokies are coming off a dominant victory over Boston College. This week another pesky foe invades Lane Stadium. The East Carolina Pirates have been a serious thorn in the side the Hokies the last two years. Both games over the last two years have had the Hokies struggling to stop the pass and a running quarterback on defense, and struggling to score on the offense side. Well rest assure folks, neither of these will be problems in this game. The Hokies come in boasting the number one passing defense in the country as well as a top ten defense over all. Trust me when I say Bud Foster is tired of the Pirates running all over the field. I look for the defense to continue to look dominant and get max pressure with the defensive front. Look for the secondary to assert itself early by causing a key turnover. Mook Reynolds and company will continue to impress and grow before our eyes. The offense is on a roll. Jerod Evans is proving himself to be one of the best signal callers in the conference. He is thriving under Justin Fuente's offense. In short all the Hokies have turned a corner on the offensive side of the ball. Look for Marshawn Williams to get a bigger role this week, as he was stellar in his season debut last week. The Hokies will avenge the last two year's losses, and come out on top in this one. My prediction is the Hokies win a lopsided Homecoming game, 38-10. Let's keep this rolling Hokies, and as always LETS GO HOKIES!!!!

Prediction: Virginia Tech 38, East Carolina 10

Tim Thomas

The Hokies know that they can't afford to overlook an East Carolina team that has been a nightmare for the Hokies in the past two seasons and while ECU may be big underdogs, no one should be surprised if this game is close for a while given the offensive talent that ECU has. Virginia Tech's #1 pass defense will face its biggest test of this season against a talented QB in Philip Nelson who has thrown for almost 1,100 passing yards in his first three games. However, a potential difference-making factor could be the fact that Nelson had 2 interceptions against the toughest defense he has faced before today in South Carolina's while the Hokies could easily have more than the 5 interceptions they already have. Meanwhile, Jerod Evans faces an ECU defense that is not as strong as the Boston College defense he faced last week, giving the Hokies a nice advantage in that area. Expect Evans and the Hokies' passing attack to have another big game today along with Justin Fuente looking to get the ground game going. Virginia Tech is the better and while ECU will keep this interesting for a while, expect the Hokies to get some separation and finally end the losing streak to the Pirates.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 35, East Carolina 17

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