Duke @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 15, 2014 ) Virginia Tech 17, Duke 16

Virginia Tech's last 22 seasons have culminated with a bowl game and since it plays three of its final four contests on the road, Saturday's Homecoming clash with Duke seems paramount to the Hokies continuing the nation's longest postseason streak. Virginia Tech needs a boost from senior quarterback Michael Brewer, who makes his first start since breaking his collarbone in the season opener versus No. 1 Ohio State.

"Over the last couple of weeks, (Brewer) was able to obtain some practice reps and try to get the glitches out of his injury,” Hokies offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler told reporters. “(Brenden Motley) stumbled (last) Saturday, and it’s just the right time for Virginia Tech to have Michael as our quarterback." Brewer relieved Motley in the fourth quarter of last week's 30-20 road loss to Miami (Fla.), completing 3-for-4 passes for 65 yards with a touchdown and interception. The No. 21 Blue Devils entered the USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll following their last game - a 44-3 victory over Army on Oct. 10, but find themselves an underdog versus the unranked Hokies. Duke, which has won five consecutive road games dating to last season, has yielded the fewest points in the nation (56) and is tied with Michigan for first in the country by allowing 9.3 per game.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Virginia Tech -2.5

ABOUT DUKE (5-1, 2-0 ACC): The offense runs through quarterback Thomas Sirk (62.4 completion rate, seven touchdowns, three interceptions), who also leads the team with 325 rushing yards. Five receivers have caught at least 13 passes as junior Johnell Barnes leads the way with 20 receptions and 266 yards. The Blue Devils have limited five consecutive opponents to fewer than 150 passing yards and three straight foes to fewer than 175 rushing.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (3-4, 1-2): Brewer completed 59.4 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns - including two in a 17-16 victory at Duke - and 15 interceptions last season. He was 11-of-16 for 156 yards with two touchdowns against Ohio State before the injury. Brewer looks to get reacquainted with sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Ford (team bests of 32 catches, 497 yards and seven TDs), who caught six TD passes last season and one versus Ohio State.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Duke is 5-0 when S DeVon Edwards returns a kickoff for a touchdown, including two in 2015. Edwards is averaging 39.7 yards on seven attempts this season.

2. The Blue Devils are 13-3 in their last 16 ACC games with only No. 9 Florida State (16-0) better and No. 6 Clemson (13-3) equal.

3. Virginia Tech leads the series 14-8 and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings since the series resumed on a yearly basis in 2004. Duke prevailed 13-10 in 2013.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 24, Duke 21