California vs Virginia Tech Predictions & Picks

Once upon a time, the Virginia Tech Hokies were a perennial Top 10 and national championship contender. Additionally, head coach Frank Beamer’s program was a regular on the bowl circuit.

From 1993 through 2015, the Hokies went to a bowl game every year, an era when it was more difficult to qualify. But Beamer ran out of gas and retired after the 2015 season.

His successor, Justin Fuente, started strong but ultimately fell short as the new dynamics of the game caught up to him. This year, Virginia Tech fired Brent Fry, who was in his fourth season on the job.

Fry and Fuente can confirm that Virginia Tech lacks the investment and NIL payment ability to compete seriously. On Friday, Virginia Tech’s lost season continues against the California Golden Bears.

California at Virginia Tech Preview

On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Virginia Tech Hokies will host the California Golden Bears at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. Kickoff time is 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

Public Betting Odds Factors

• The Virginia Tech Hokies brand has been badly damaged, but it remains more appealing than Cal’s.

• Squares will take comfort and refuge in the host Virginia Tech.

• Bargain hunters like Cal for its hidden value against the college football odds and quality.

• The fact that the casual sector ignores Cal helps its brand.

• Sharps see the potential for Cal against a weak and distracted Virginia Tech team.

California at Virginia Tech Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider 

• In this situation, Cal has been the much more impressive team this year.

• Virginia Tech is playing out the string and wondering who will be leaving at the end of the season.

• There are concerns about who the new Hokie head coach will be.

• Virginia Tech will still keep the line honest as the home team.

• Cal will offer good value as a respectable program, getting the road team discount.

• Finally, Cal has a defensive advantage that should be the difference.

California at Virginia Tech Prime Best Bet: California Golden Bears

California at Virginia Tech Betting Tips

Virginia Tech opened as a 3.5-point favorite and a -162 moneyline chalk.

Cal opened as a 3.5-point dog and a +134 moneyline dog.

The Golden Bears and Hokies opened with a total of 49.5.

California Golden Bears 

• Last game, the California Golden Bears won 21-18 against the North Carolina Tar Heels as 7.5-point home favorites.

• The game went under the total of 46.5.

• Cal is 5-2 straight up, 3-4 against the spread, and 3-4 over/under the total.

• Cal ranks 66^th for total offense, 21st for passing, 120^th for rushing, 77^th for scoring, and 97^th for fewest turnovers committed.

• Cal ranks 78^th for total defense, 86^th vs. the pass, 64^th vs. rush, 76^th for fewest points allowed, and 55^th for takeaways.

Virginia Tech Hokies 

• Last game, the Virginia Tech Hokies lost 35-10 against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as 14-point road dogs.

• The game went under the total of 55.5.

• Virginia Tech is 2-5 straight up, 1-6 against the spread, and 3-4 over/under the total.

• Virginia Tech ranks 100^th for total offense, 98^th for passing, 66^th for rushing, 99^th for scoring, and 89^th for fewest turnovers committed.

• Virginia Tech ranks 73^rd for total defense, 68^th vs. the pass, 73^rd vs rush, 101^st for fewest points allowed, and 108^th for takeaways.

California at Virginia Tech Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Of great concern is the weak betting value Cal has shown on the road.

• The Golden Bears got the cash in only five of their last 17 away games.

• Additionally, Cal went under the total in eight of their last nine road games.

• Virginia Tech has covered only three of its last 11 games at Lane Stadium.

• Eight of the Hokies’ last 12 home games went over the total.