Composite projection engine
Matchup Simulator
Color clash detected — Virginia Tech is shown in their alternate road accent for contrast.
Positional unit index — 0 to 100 scale
50 = FBS average · 72+ = Top 25 level · 90+ = elite national top five. Week 3 weighting: 60% preseason roster talent + 40% live 2026 game EPA.
+4.2 VT advantage — 10-point index gap over Maryland (passing EPA per play, completion rate and yards per attempt). VT Above average.
+1.7 VT advantage — 4-point index gap over Maryland (explosive pass rate and yards per target). VT Above average.
+2.5 VT advantage — 6-point index gap over Maryland (yards per carry, line yards and rush EPA). VT Above average.
-0.8 MD advantage — 2-point index gap over Virginia Tech (line yards against stuff rate). MD Above average.
-1.7 MD advantage — 4-point index gap over Virginia Tech (pass-block win rate against pressure rate). MD Above average.
Even matchup — both units index the same
+7.6 VT advantage — 18-point index gap over Maryland (pressure differential in the trenches). VT Top 25 level.
+3.8 VT advantage — 9-point index gap over Maryland (coverage grade against target efficiency). VT Above average.
Projections use opponent-adjusted efficiency, SOS, and unit-level grades derived from live 2026 team data.