ACC & CAA preview, week six

Football continues, and this week my picks are unkind to the good guys. Last week’s Hokie disappointment may have effect my general mood and therefor the quality of some of my picks. I’m only human, people.

October 7, 2011; 3:02 PM • by Ross Catrow

Going 4-1, which puts me at 22-5 for the season, would have been a lot more pleasant if the Hokies would have won. But in retrospect, I should have know better.

Hokies vs. Miami

Well. That was unpleasant.

After the explosion of points against Appalachian State, the Hokies offense continued to dwindle and shrink until they could only manage three points against a mediocre Tiger defense. As you can imagine, Hokie Nation is not pleased. But, at least this uncomfortable feeling of terribleness on offense despite highly skilled players (David Wilson is currently ranked #7 in the nation for rushing yards per game) is warm and familiar.

This week Tech moves on (hopefully) and faces The U in Lane Stadium. Both Miami and the Hokies have some injuries at key positions (for Tech the loss of DT Atoine Hopkins is going to hurt), but Miami gets back a wunderathlete at corner. Guys, if I had to play this weekend, I can tell you my head is not in the right place. I can’t stop seeing David Wilson fumble the ball as he flies through the air. #womp

Hopefully the team is in better emotional shape than I am, but I’m still picking the Hokies to lose (a close loss though).

Virginia vs. Bye week

A one point overtime win against Idaho?! What’s the spread against the bye week? +7?

Richmond vs. Towson

Yeah, I’m going to pick UR to lose again. LISTEN, I AM IN A BAD MOOD. But really, it’s the smart pick. UR’s 0-2 in CAA games while Towson is 1-0, and they aren’t on a two game slide. I think the wheels continue to fall off of the bus for UR–especially on the road.

JMU vs. Maine

JMU’s easily the hottest team in the CAA right now–OR IS THAT MAINE? No, it is probably JMU. But, Maine’s only loss comes to Pitt and they almost won that one, which is kind of wild. The Dukes are coming off of a great home drubbing of Richmond and should be riding pretty high. Go Dukies!

William & Mary vs. Delaware

These teams have identical records, including one loss to a FBS team, a win over a Division II team, and a win over a crappy FCS team. I’m going to go with RVANews’s very own Weather Dan and pick Delaware. Home field advantage I guess; plus, it is UNDER THE LIGHTS.

Old Dominion vs. Rhode Island

When I said JMU was the hottest team in the CAA right now, I might have lied! ODU has risen from “also receiving votes” to ranked 21st. But man, their schedule sure is backloaded. Check out their final five opponents: Towson, Villanova, JMU, Richmond, W&M. Yikes. I predict ODU continues to win–at least until they get into the meat of their schedule.

October 7, 2011 3:02 PM 0