Virginia Tech VS. Syracuse Gobbler Country Staff Picks

Roy Hatfield (4-1)

The Hokies will look even faster in the Carrier Dome. Look for the game to be close early, but Virginia Tech will pull away in the second half. I like the Hokies big in this one 46-17.

Joshua Schneider (4-1)

Personally I'm not sure what to make of this game and if the upcoming game against Miami will affect it. Syracuse has an offense but almost no defense. We've got an offense and a defense but coming off a big impressive win, and heading into an important game, I'll have to hope Coach Fuente doesn't let the team get full of themselves and overlook the Orange. If they don't overlook 'Cuse, expect fireworks and a high score. If they do, it could be dangerous. As it sits? Gimme Tech 35-17.

Jawhar Ali (4-1)

Once the Hokies defeated the Tar Heels, I saw Syracuse next on the schedule and thought this could be a trap game, especially with Miami coming up Thursday night. So far, Fuente has had his team focused and ready to go each week which lessens my concerns for coming out flat against an inferior opponent. Syracuse plays on a fast track in the Carrier dome, a much different surface than the muddy, slow field in Carolina last week. There will be some adjustment involved there. The Orange have the offense and scheme to stick with the Hokies for maybe the first quarter, but after that it should be all Virginia Tech.

Hokies win 38-17.

John Schneider (4-1)

Ah yes. Dino Babers and his high powered offense. Well, frankly the wise guys are dismissing that with a massive 20 point booster shot to Syracuse's side of the betting teeter-totter. Maybe they are right, maybe they aren't. But I do know that Bud Foster has been to the Carrier Dome more than a few times, and come away with limp spaghetti too often. I know Fuente has some history with Babers, too. The last time that the Orange and the Hokies did battle on a field of green, was 2003. All of the players on the field were in Elementary School. This might be old stink for us old Hokies, but this is a brand new gig for this team. Syracuse hasn't faced Bud Foster, and the Orange defense might make a stink, but they probably can't stop the Evans led barrage of receivers and running backs. Babers has the capability of surprising us more than a few times, but in the end it'll be: 48-13 Hokies.

Bryan Manning (4-1)

Virginia Tech is coming off three straight blowouts and people around the country are taking notice. Tech enters this weekend's game at Syracuse ranked No. 17 in the country. Not too shabby for first-year head coach Justin Fuente.

The Orange also have a new head coach in Dino Babers. Babers, an Art Briles' disciple, is also an outstanding offensive coach. And in quarterback Eric Dungey, he has a solid signal-caller. Dungey is the type of player that has given Bud Foster trouble in recent years. He can throw the football, but is also a capable runner, too.

Fuente won't allow the Hokies to look past Syracuse. Expect a hungry Virginia Tech team come Saturday and while Syracuse will hang tough early, it won't last. Jerod Evans, Travon McMillian and Isiah Ford will all have big days and Foster's defense puts the heat on Dungey, forcing multiple turnovers in a Hokie win.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 42, Syracuse 17

Jay Johnson (4-1)

Last year both Fuente and Babers played against each other when they were the head coaches at Memphis and Bowling Green, respectively. Coach Fuente was able to barely come out on top 44-41. Both coaches are known for their offensive prowess and the Syracuse offense has seemed competent for the majority of the season. Until last week the Orange’s worst offensive performance was against the South Florida Bulls where they only managed 20 points. But, last week, the surprising Wake Forest Demon Deacons were able to stonewall the Syracuse offense and held them to only nine points. There is dramatic history between the two teams and the Carrier Dome, and there is history between the two coaches, but I simply don’t think the Syracuse offense, nor defense, can match up with what Coach Fuente has developed in Blacksburg. VT has returned to national media attention and have creeped into the CFB playoff discussion. With such attention the Hokies’ biggest threat is themselves. VPI must stay focused and ensure that they aren’t caught by surprise on a letdown or a look ahead game. I believe that the VT coaching staff keeps the Hokies on point, and the Fighting Gobblers continue their surge with a 49-10 victory.