Virginia @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 26, 2011 ) Virginia Tech 38, Virginia 0

Virginia Tech puts its 19-season bowl streak on the line when it hosts the latest installment of the Commonwealth Cup against archrival Virginia on Saturday. The Hokies must win to even their record at 6-6 to qualify for a bowl and maintain the nation's third longest postseason streak behind Florida State (30 seasons) and Florida (21). The Hokies needed overtime last week to knock off Boston College and snap a three-game slide. The Cavaliers have lost eight straight to Virginia Tech and 12 of the last 13 meetings. Virginia started well this season with two victories before a killer six-game losing streak all but ruined any bowl aspirations. Most recently, the Cavaliers fell to North Carolina 37-13 after two straight victories against North Carolina State and Miami.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Virginia Tech -10

ABOUT VIRGINIA (4-7, 2-5 ACC): The Cavaliers will not see any postseason action until at least next season, but would love nothing more at this point than to end the Hokies' season as well. Quarterbacks Michael Rocco and Phillip Sims have each thrown for more than 1,000 yards this season - the first time the Cavaliers have had two 1,000-yard passers since Matt Schaub and Bryson Spinner in 2001. Virginia's defense hasn't been much of a threat to opposing quarterbacks, picking off a conference-worst four passes and registering only 14 sacks.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (5-6, 3-4): In the past six meetings, the score has been tight at the half before Virginia Tech distanced itself after the break. The Hokies rank third in the ACC in total defense, allowing just a shade over 356 yards per game and linebacker Jack Tyler is tied for second in the conference with 103 tackles. They also share the conference lead for sacks with 30, and boast four of the top 15 individual leaders in the category.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia Tech leads the series 51-37-5.

2. The Cavaliers have lost their last eight regular season finales.

3. Virginia Tech senior WR Marcus Davis needs 142 receiving yards to become the first Hokie to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season. His 858 yards rank fifth in school history and are 104 shy of Andre Davis' record of 962.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 14