Virginia Cavaliers at Virginia Tech Hokies: Preview, prediction, TV info

QB Logan Thomas and Virginia Tech need a win Saturday to reach bowl eligibility. (US Presswire)

Virginia (4-7, 2-5 ACC) at Virginia Tech (5-6, 3-4 ACC)

Kickoff: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (ESPNU)

Spread: Virginia Tech by 10.5

Watchability: Virginia Tech has gone to a bowl 19 straight years, and that streak is on the line Saturday when it entertains in-state rival Virginia. The Hokies have beaten the Cavaliers in eight straight meetings and 12 of their last 13. After losing to North Carolina last Thursday, Virginia is simply playing for pride and to spoil Virginia Tech's season.

Shining Stars: Virginia -- RB Perry Jones has 445 rushing yards and 379 receiving yards, but he has not scored a touchdown in the last five games. As a senior, this is his last chance to get a win over the Hokies. Virginia Tech -- QB Logan Thomas had 247 passing yards and two touchdowns while also running for a score against Boston College. He has been up and down this season, and the offense will go as Thomas goes on Saturday.

Who could steal the show: Virginia -- QBs Michael Rocco and Phillip Sims have been splitting time under center in Virginia's last three games. Rocco threw for 155 yards and an interception last week against North Carolina while Sims threw for 50 yards and a touchdown. Virginia Tech -- WR Marcus Davis received plenty of criticism last week over his effort against Florida State and was benched for the first half against Boston College. Davis caught five passes for 104 yards and a touchdown in the second half in Chestnut Hill.

You going? Ranking the road trip: It's the final home game of the season, and it's against the in-state rival. Despite the noon kickoff, Lane Stadium should be a lively atmosphere.

Magic number for Virginia: 32.3. Virginia has lost its last three meetings with Virginia Tech by an average of 32.3 points per game. The Cavaliers have not come closer than 29 points in that stretch. In his third year, coach Mike London needs to show he is at least closing the gap with the Hokies.

Magic number for Virginia Tech: 149.6. Virginia Tech is allowing 149.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 48 nationally. That includes the Florida State game when the Hokies limited the Seminoles to minus-15 rushing yards. If Virginia Tech stops the run against Virginia, it'll be tough to beat Saturday.

The game comes down to: Mindset. Virginia Tech has owned Virginia in this rivalry as of late, and one has to wonder if it is in the Cavaliers' heads at this point. One thing Virginia has going for it is that it has nothing to lose. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is facing the pressure of possibly being the team to lose to Virginia for the first time since 2003 and not making a bowl game for the first time since 1992.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 23

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.