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Virginia Tech vs SMU Prediction: Setting Up the Showdowns
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- Virginia Tech vs SMU Prediction: Setting Up the Showdowns
There's still a chance for both SMU and Virginia Tech to get into the ACC Championship, but can either one step up and take control of the opportunity?
SMU had everything there for the taking. It gets Wake Forest in Dallas next week, closes the ACC season at Stanford, but everything got upended in a loss to Syracuse 30-27. Win out, though, and it has a great shot when it comes down to the tiebreakers.
Virginia Tech has won two in a row, and it gets Miami in a few weeks. If it wins out, including a win over the Canes, it'll be in a great position to slip into the College Football Playoff.
Virginia Tech vs SMU: Quick Hits
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SMU (6-2) hosts Wake Forest next before the massive moment at Notre Dame.
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Virginia Tech (6-2) gets Stanford next before going to Miami and closing with the rivalry date against Virginia.
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The two haven't played since an SMU 28-25 win in 1974. The Mustangs went 2-1 from 1972 to 1974.
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How To Watch Virginia Tech vs SMU
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
– Week 10 Schedule, Predictions
– CFN Top 25
| Bowl Projections
– Expert Picks: Week 10
Why Virginia Tech Will Win
The Hokies defensive line continues to seek and destroy opposing offenses. Virginia Tech is No. 1 in the nation in tackles for loss, coming up with 13 in the win over Clemson two weeks ago, along with four sacks.
SMU is okay in pass protection, and it's solid at times with the running game, but there's a problem when it turns the ball over – the two giveaways against Syracuse were a big deal. The three turnovers in the loss to Louisville mattered. However …
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Why SMU Will Win
Virginia Tech doesn't take the ball away enough. The two takeaways helped stop Georgia Tech in a 34-24 win, but the Hokies have only forced six turnovers, and none in five games.
SMU has to get its tempo going. Counteract the Virginia Tech pass rush with quick-hitting throws, keep the defense on its heels, and, on the other side, get the defense off the field. Virginia Tech isn't always great on third downs, and SMU is third in the nation, with offenses converting just 27% of their chances.
Virginia Tech vs SMU Prediction, Betting Lines
SMU is a much different team in Gerald J. Ford.
The offense is good no matter where it plays, but this year, the defense steps its game up several notches, especially against the run. The three worst games on the season for the run defense were all on the road, and the Hokies won't grind it out enough.
Virginia Tech is 2-2 when it doesn't get to 130 yards on the ground. SMU hasn't allowed more than 125 this year at home.
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SMU 26, Virginia Tech 20
Latest Consensus Line: SMU -5.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5)
: 3
Must See Rating (out of 5)
: 4
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
