Well folks, it is that time of year again. It is VT-UVA week in college football. That means, just like Jerome from the FedEx-Kinkos commercial, it's time for the Wahoos to talk a big game and then do nothing.

In all seriousness, this could be the biggest game EVER in the storied history of the UVA-VT rivalry. If you haven't been following along, the Hokies and Hoos are currently ranked #8 and #16 respectively in the BCS. The winner of the game will not only hoist the shiny silver bauble known as the Commonwealth Cup, but will also earn a trip to Jacksonville to face Boston College in the ACC Championship game, and play for a spot in a BCS bowl game.

While both teams come into the game with identical 9-2 records, the way they have obtained those records has been far from similar. Virginia Tech struggled early in the season getting blown out by LSU in their second game, benching their QB for a true freshman and surviving early offensive struggles before hitting their stride in ACC play. Aside from a last minute collapse at the hands of the aforementioned BC Eagles, VT has fairly well handled their conference competition this year. The Hokies average margin of victory in their 6 conference wins has been an impressive 21.5 points and their defense has held their 7 conference foes to an average of about 14 points a game.

Meanwhile, over in Charlottesville, UVA rebounded from an early whipping at the hands of the Wyoming Cowboys (a game which prompted Lighthorse Harry to call for Al Groh's head on a platter) to win seven games in a row before losing again, this time to NC State. Unlike the Hokies, however, the Wahoos have lived a little bit closer to the edge. UVA's average margin of victory in 6 ACC wins was 11.3 points, but that includes a 48-0 blowout of Miami, without which the margin falls to 4 points per win. However, UVA's defense against conference foes has been almost as stingy as VT's, having given up an average of 16.8 points per game.

It is true that when a rivalry game such as this is played the stats go out the window. And while these stats don't tell us everything we need to know about these two teams, I think they do tell us a lot. First, they tell us that these are two very good defenses. Second, they tell us that Virginia has made its living by surviving close battles, while VT has largely smacked down their conference opponents. Finally, it tells us that both teams can put up some high scores at times.

The end result is that I predict this game is going to be a slugfest. Both offenses will have a tough time finding a rhythm, and field position and special teams will be key. Fortunately, these are two areas where VT excels. The game is being played in Charlottesville, but VT is looking as good as they have all season AND they have the additional motivation of a possible rematch with Boston College. Furthermore, the hidden statistic in this game is VT's 11-1 conference road record since joining the ACC in 2004. The Hokies have been very comfortable on the road in the ACC, and it will be no different in a mixed crowd in Scott Stadium next saturday.

While I won't go so far as to predict a final score or anything, I believe VT will outlast the Hoos in this one (shocking, I know). Like most of VT's other ACC games, I expect a close back-and-forth game that VT blows open towards the end. UVA has battled valiantly this season, but they haven't played a team as good as VT, while VT has played a few teams at or above UVA's level. I wouldn't be totally shocked by a UVA victory, but barring a bunch of turnovers or a Cory Holt sighting for VT, I don't see it happening.

Let the smacktalk begin!