The Virginia Tech Hokies (3-6, 2-3) face the Florida State Seminoles (4-5, 1-5) on Saturday at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles began the season with a huge upset win over then-No. 8 Alabama, 31-17. They would win their next two games, improving to 3-0 before traveling to Charlottesville to face the Virginia Cavaliers. The Noles were ranked No. 8 on that Friday, but fell to the Cavaliers 46-38 in overtime. Since that September night, FSU has only won one game: a 42-7 win over Wake Forest two weeks ago. The Seminoles have lost five of their last six games heading into Saturday night.
Quarterback Thomas Castellanos leads Florida States offense. Castellanos is no stranger to the Hokies, having faced him when he was with Boston College. Tech defeated Castellanos last season, when Bhayshul Tuten ran for close to 300 yards and three touchdowns. Its been an up-and-down year for Castellanos with the Noles. Hes capable of making big plays at any time, with his arm or legs, but in his effort to make them, hes also capable of negative plays.
Junior wide receiver Duce Robinson is the player to watch for Florida State. The 6-foot-6 junior receiver has caught 43 passes for 813 yards and four touchdowns. How will Tech defend Robinson? Thats worth watching.
The key for Virginia Tech is getting running backs Marcellous Hawkins and Terion Stewart going. Both have had big games this year, and when they do, it makes life much easier for quarterback Kyron Drones. The Noles are ranked No. 24 in total defense and No. 27 in run defense. Opposing teams are averaging only 3.04 yards per attempt on the ground. Virginia Tech coach Philip Montgomery may need to use the passing game to create some space for the running game, at least early.
Heres all the info you need to watch Saturdays matchup between Virginia Tech and Florida State, including betting odds: