No. 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0) at No. 13 Virginia Tech

Opening Line: Virginia Tech -3 points O/U 51

Time:3:30 PM ET Saturday September 19, 2009 on ABC

by Marasoft.com Staff

On Saturday afternoon the Virginia Tech Hokies host the Nebraska Cornhuskers in an important non-conference game for both teams. The Cornhuskers crushed Arkansas State 38-9 in their last game and the Hokies laid a beat down on Marshall 52-10 in their second game. The Hokies already have a loss, as they were beat by Alabama in their opening game, so if they lose this game the National Championship is out of the picture. The Huskers need to win this game, as when they get into Big 12 play they have to face Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

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The Huskers are led by QB Zac Lee (533 yds 6 TD 1 INT) and his main targets are Curenski Gilleylen (5 rec 135 yds 1 TD) and Mike McNeill (8 rec 108 yds 2 TD). The Huskers rushing attack is led by Roy Helu Jr. (212 yds 3 TD). The Hokies are led by QB Tyrod Taylor (252 yds 2 TD 1 INT) and his main targets are RB Ryan Williams (3 rec 78 yds) coming out of the backfield and WR Danny Coale 3 rec 59 yds). The Hokies rushing attack is led by Ryan Williams (235 yds 5 TD).

The Huskers' defense has looked good so far this season, but a Hokies team that can run the ball will test them. If Nebraska can contain RB Ryan Williams they will be in good shape since the Hokies do not feature a great passing attack. With Zac Lee at the helm the Huskers have a better passing offense then they have had in recent years, but they face a solid Hokies secondary. The Hokies' defense has to contain Lee and RB Ray Helu Jr. Virginia Tech cannot afford to go down big in this game, as they do not have the firepower to make a big comeback since they rely on the ground game. The Hokies return 7 starters on defense and they will have to get to Lee early and often and not allow him to have a big game through the air.

The big match up in this game is the Nebraska offense against the Virginia Tech defense. The winner of that battle will probably win this game. This is the first road game of the season for the Cornhuskers and Virginia Tech is never an easy place for opponents to play. If the Hokies' D can keep this a low scoring game and control the clock by running the ball they will be in good shape. If the Huskers can move the chains and contain the Hokies' rushing attack they will come away with a win.

The Marasoft Pick: Under 51