With college football season on the horizon, ESPN Chalk's college football experts -- Phil Steele, "Stanford Steve" Coughlin and Chris Fallica -- combine to give you betting previews of the top 25 teams, according to the ESPN College Football Rankings. They break down each team's strengths and weaknesses, along with season win total bets and national title odds.
Odds from Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook as of Aug. 14.
Virginia Tech Hokies
National title odds: 80-1 (opened 40-1)
Season win total: 8.5
FPI win total projection: 7.8
Phil Steele
Strengths: The Hokies return seven starters from a defense that allowed just 22.8 points per game in 2016. They have my No. 26-rated defensive line, No. 9 group of linebackers and No. 3 defensive backs. Tech is a defensive headache for all opponents. Offensively, top running back Travon McMillian (4.6 yards per tote and seven touchdowns) is back and will be pushed by true freshman Jalen Holston.