Steer Clear of Virginia Tech's BCS Odds

Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the BCS National Championship? If they do win, at 16/1 odds you stand to make some nice coin. (Wikimedia Images)"]

Last week in this space, I wrote that putting a few dollars down on Notre Dame at 25/1 odds to win the BCS National Championship would be a good investment.

This week I'm going the other way: Don't waste your money on Virginia Tech. Oh, the Hokies will be a preseason Top 10 team, and they are 16/1 at the Bodog Sportsbook to win it all this season. I would even venture to say that Frank Beamer's team might win the ACC Championship game for a third consecutive season.

But a national championship? Not happening.

First let's look at the Hokies' schedule, and it's not impossible that they start the season 2-2. Tech opens in Atlanta against Alabama. That game could be a pick'em, but do you dare bet against Nick Saban when he has had the entire offseason to plan for a team? Remember what the Tide did to preseason Top 10 Clemson in the 2008 opener?

I assume the Hokies then beat Marshall and Nebraska (although the Huskers will be dangerous) at home, with the conference opener coming Sept. 26 in Blacksburg against Miami, which is on the rise and beat the Hokies last year. Then you have the rest of the ACC schedule, although Virginia Tech likely will be favored in every game other than Oct. 17 at Georgia Tech.

Here's another reason why Tech is a bad bet: Tyrod Taylor. All these people who call him Michael Vick Jr. clearly don't remember how good Vick was in college. No doubt Taylor is a threat with his feet, but his throwing hasn't come around in two seasons. Last year he had just two touchdown passes against seven interceptions, and his yards per attempt was less than 6.00. That means he's just dumping the ball off and not stretching the defense. Also remember that the safety blanket that was fellow QB Sean Glennon is now gone.

If Taylor has suddenly learned to throw this spring – and reportedly his throwing motion improved – then you can disregard this story. And the Hokies do have 15 starters back, including stud tailback Darren Evans.

But at 16/1 to win it all (which this school has never done), this is a bet to stay away from right now.

Bet on college football futures at the Bodog Sportsbook.