Cal vs. Virginia Tech Prediction, Picks & Odds: Who'll Win in College Football Week 9?

In what used to be one of the most feared night atmospheres in college football, my Cal vs. Virginia Tech prediction and picks are betting against the Hokies at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., on Friday.

While there was a time when it would have been considered a sin to bet against Virginia Tech at home on a Friday night, Frank Beamer isn't stepping onto that field for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN, so my college football picks can't back the Hokies as a 5.5-point betting favorite. Read on for my Cal vs. Virginia Tech picks as part of our college football predictions for Week 9.

🏈 Cal vs. Virginia Tech prediction

College football picks for Week 9; odds subject to change.

• Game prediction: Cal +5.5 (-110 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Over/Under pick: Under 50.5 (-105 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐

🆚 Who will win Cal vs. Virginia Tech?

✅ Best Cal vs. Virginia Tech bet

🐻 Cal +5.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

While I think Cal can win this outright, and wouldn't question anyone betting the Golden Bears moneyline (+180), this spread just gives me so much breathing room that it's tough to pass on. I can't believe Cal is a 5.5-point underdog at our best college football betting sites, and I know winning in Blacksburg at night is tough, especially in a cross-country game on a Friday, but the Hokies are 1-4 at home this year.

That one win came against an FCS program, too (Wofford), and the team hasn't looked much better since firing Brent Pry following a 19-point loss to Old Dominion. Virginia Tech is 1-6 ATS this season, and 0-4 ATS in games it's favored in (with all four games being outright losses).

Interim head coach Philip Montgomery's team is No. 91 in SP+ on offense and won't have it easy against a Cal defense that's top 40 in EPA per pass, early downs EPA per play, and third down success. 

🎯 JKS continues to find success

Sagapolutele has transformed Cal, with the Golden Bears entering the season viewed as one of the worst ACC teams. Instead, he's led the program to a 5-2 record, which includes going 3-2 ATS against Power Four programs. It's not just JKS' ridiculous arm talent, either; the Golden Bears have playmakers like Kendrick Raphael, Trond Grizzell, Jacob De Jesus, and Mason Mini.

That crew should push a Virginia Tech defense that's No. 134 (out of 136 teams) in EPA per pass and allowing the third-most points per game in the ACC (29.3). And the Golden Bears likely won't even need to score that much to keep this close, and if they can cover, a $10 bet pays a $9.09 profit. 

⚖️ Cal vs. Virginia Tech score prediction: Cal 24, Virginia Tech 23

Track the latest college football scores for line movement and matchup info.

⬇️ Under 50.5 (-105) ⭐⭐⭐

This has less to do with these defenses and more to do with the offenses. While JKS has flashed an NFL arm, the Golden Bears haven't scored more than 28 points in a game since Sept. 6, and they're averaging 18.8 points per game in their last five outings.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech's offensive line has been such a wreck that QB Kyron Drones is the most pressured QB in college football (107). With him constantly under fire, he's been mistake-prone and has the 10th-most turnover-worthy plays in the country (12). Things won't be easier for this Hokies offense against a pass rush led by TJ Bush Jr. and a secondary led by Brent Austin.

With these teams averaging a combined 46.7 points per game this season, the Under is the play. If the Under cashes, a $10 bet pays a $9.52 profit.

📊 Cal vs. Virginia Tech odds

Latest college football odds updated live in real time.

📺 How to watch Cal vs. Virginia Tech

• Date: Friday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Lane Stadium (Blacksburg, Va.)
• TV: ESPN