Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) throws a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Cal Golden Bears (5-2, 2-1 ACC) and Virginia Tech Hokies (2-5, 1-2) meet Friday at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NCAA football odds around the Golden Bears vs. Virginia Tech odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.

Cal edged the North Carolina Tar Heels 21-18 on Saturday, missing the cover as a 7.5-point home favorite as the Under (46.5) cashed. The matchup was evenly fought, with the Golden Bears holding a slim yardage edge at 294-287. but the difference was Cal’s defense forcing 3 turnovers. WR Jacob De Jesus shined, with 13 catches for 105 yards and a TD.

Virginia Tech couldn’t keep pace with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, falling 35-20 on Saturday and failing to cover as a 14-point road underdog as the Under (55.5) cashed. QB Kyron Drones led the Hokies’ offense, throwing for 181 yards and 2 TDs while adding 83 rushing yards and another score. However, the defense struggled to get stops, surrendering 481 total yards and allowing the Yellow Jackets to convert 7 of 12 third-down attempts.

Cal beat Virginia Tech 52-49 in the 2023 Insight Bowl, the only previous meeting.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Cal at Virginia Tech odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:21 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cal +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Virginia Tech -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cal +5.5 (-110) | Virginia Tech -5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Cal at Virginia Tech picks and predictions

Prediction

Virginia Tech 24, Cal 23

Moneyline

PASS.

I was tempted to take the Golden Bears (+180) on the moneyline, but I’m going to play it safe and take the points on the road in Blacksburg.

Against the spread

BET CAL +5.5 (-110).

California looks like the sharper side catching +5.5 against Virginia Tech. The Hokies have dropped home games to the Vanderbilt Commodores, Old Dominion Monarchs, and Wake Forest Demon Deacons — all while surrendering nearly 40 points per contest (39.6) at Lane Stadium. As intimidating as the “Enter Sandman” atmosphere can be, it hasn’t stopped teams from leaving Blacksburg with wins this season.

Cal, meanwhile, has already proven it can win on the road, picking up victories at the Oregon State Beavers and Boston College Eagles. The Golden Bears’ physical offensive line and steady rushing attack should help them control possession and wear down a smaller Hokies front. Neither team has been explosive offensively — both averaging 23 points per game — but Cal’s defense has been more consistent, allowing just 21.9 points per outing.

Given Virginia Tech’s defensive lapses and Cal’s ability to dictate tempo, the Golden Bears have the edge to cover and possibly win outright.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 50.5 (-105).

Both teams have leaned toward the Under lately, each cashing it in 3 of their last 4 games. With neither offense built for explosive plays and both leaning on the run, expect a clock-controlling matchup. I like this one to stay Under the total.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Cal Golden Bears at Virginia Tech Hokies odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Drew Phelps, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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