Virginia Tech @ Duke preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 23, 2010 ) Duke 7, Virginia Tech 44

THE STORY: Virginia Tech won’t be able to go undefeated in the regular season as many predicted, but the 15th-ranked Hokies still have a chance at another BCS bowl game if they can win out. Three of their final four regular-season games are on the road, starting Saturday at Duke. The Hokies have injuries on defense, so they will have to crank up their potent offense. Running back David Wilson is averaging 129.6 yards rushing, which ranks fourth in the nation. Duke, which has lost 10 straight to the Hokies, is licking its wounds after a difficult 24-23 home loss to Wake Forest last week.

TV: ACC Network. LINE: Virginia Tech -15.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (7-1, 3-1 ACC): The Hokies have lost three defensive starters for season, and others are banged up. All-American cornerback Jayron Hosley, who missed the last game with a hamstring injury, is questionable for Saturday. Wilson averages 6.3 per carry, and has scored eight TDs. Quarterback Logan Thomas has lifted his game, becoming the first in coach Frank Beamer’s tenure to throw for 260 or more yards in three straight games. He has six touchdown passes and no interceptions in that run.

ABOUT DUKE (3-4, 1-2 ACC): The Blue Devils have to fight through injuries of their own if they are to get back in the chase for a bowl bid. Quarterback Sean Renfree has a hip injury, but is expected to play. Renfree completes almost 68 percent of his passes and has averaged just over 257 yards. His top target is Conner Vernon, who has caught at least five passes in a school-record 10 straight games. Safety Matt Daniels leads Duke in tackles, averaging almost 10.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech is averaging 34:33 of possession -- 9:07 more than its opponents.

2. Duke has scored in 19 straight trips to the red zone, 13 TDs and six FGs.

3. The Hokies have tied a school record with 10 straight road wins, the longest active streak in the FBS.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 31, Duke 21 – Wilson will be too much for the game but undermanned Blue Devils.