Old Dominion vs Virginia Tech Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 12, 2026
Old Dominion visits Virginia Tech on Saturday at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, with the opening kickoff at 12:00 PM ET and televised on The CW. Old Dominion is 1-0 after a 31-10 win over Norfolk State, while Virginia Tech is 1-0 following a 73-3 victory over VMI. The Hokies are 17.5-point favorites after opening at -14, while the total has moved from 51.5. Win big with our free NCAAF picks.
Old Dominion Coming Off a Strong Defensive Win
Old Dominion opened with a 31-10 victory over Norfolk State as quarterback Quinn Henicle produced four touchdowns. Henicle completed 9 of 12 passes for 137 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while rushing 13 times for 68 yards and two scores. The Monarchs gained 182 rushing yards on 42 attempts, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Devin Roche rushed for 51 yards, while Ja'Varien Salter added 40 yards on seven attempts.
The Monarchs were just as productive defensively, limiting Norfolk State to 220 total yards while recording three takeaways, three sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Javen Gibson recorded 1.5 sacks, while Mario Easterly had an interception. Leon Haughton Jr. led the receiving group with 46 yards on two catches, and TJ Johnson caught both of Henicle's touchdown passes. Old Dominion has also won five straight dating back to last season, allowing 10 points or fewer in each victory.
Injuries: Old Dominion has no injuries listed.
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Virginia Tech Rolling After a 73 Point Opener
Virginia Tech opened James Franklin's first season as head coach with a 73-3 win over VMI. The Hokies gained 619 total yards and 30 first downs. Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns, while Virginia Tech finished with 351 passing yards as a team. The rushing attack gained 268 yards and scored six touchdowns, led by Jeffrey Overton Jr. with 104 yards and two scores on nine attempts.
Virginia Tech also received 69 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Marcellous Hawkins Jr. Que'Sean Brown caught six passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, including a 51-yard scoring reception. The Hokies recorded five sacks defensively, with Aycen Stevens leading the group at 1.5. Virginia Tech held VMI to 83 total yards and six first downs. The Hokies did commit 11 penalties for 93 yards and turned the ball over twice despite the wide margin.
Injuries: Wide receivers S. Peterkin, T. Heath, L. Stuewe and running back B. Davis are questionable.
Key to the Game
Old Dominion's defense against Virginia Tech's rushing attack stands out as the central matchup. The Monarchs held Norfolk State to 10 points and recorded 11 tackles for loss, but Virginia Tech produced 268 rushing yards and six touchdowns against VMI. Overton averaged 11.6 yards per carry, while Hawkins averaged 5.8 and scored three times. Old Dominion needs to prevent early explosive runs and force Grunkemeyer into longer third downs. Virginia Tech can take command quickly if its offensive line consistently creates space.
Old Dominion vs Virginia Tech Game Pick
- Virginia Tech -17.5
Virginia Tech is the pick after scoring 73 points and gaining 619 yards in its opening victory. The Hokies rushed for 268 yards and six touchdowns, while Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and two scores. Old Dominion was impressive defensively against Norfolk State, but Virginia Tech presents a much stronger offensive challenge. The Hokies also held VMI to 83 total yards. With several rushing options and a sharp passing game, Virginia Tech has the tools to build a big lead at Lane Stadium.
Old Dominion vs Virginia Tech Over/Under Pick
- Over 51.5
Over 51.5 is the pick after Virginia Tech produced 73 points in its opener behind six rushing touchdowns and three passing scores. Old Dominion also scored 31 points, with Quinn Henicle accounting for four touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Both offenses showed the ability to create scoring plays, and Virginia Tech averaged 6.7 yards per rush against VMI. Old Dominion's defense played well in its opener, but the Hokies present a major increase in offensive firepower and can push this total upward quickly.
