Tag: belk bowl

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Belk Bowl Preview and Prediction

The Hokies are in a bowl game for the 27th consecutive season. This is the longest active streak in the NCAA and the fourth longest streak in NCAA history. While it has become easier to make a bowl game in recent years, this is still a big accomplishment. If the Hokies aren’t going to be in a New Year’s Six bowl, the Belk Bowl is a good consolation prize. It is in a location that is easy for many Virginia Tech fans to attend. And it is against a good opponent from the SEC.

SP+ Rankings

Kentucky

Overall: 37th
Offense: 65th
Defense: 32nd
Special Teams: 41st

Virginia Tech

Overall: 40th
Offense: 60th
Defense: 38th
Special Teams: 40th

Kentucky’s rankings are like Virginia Tech’s but they put up those stats in a tougher league. If the Hokies want another opportunity against a team like UVA, this is it. Bryce Perkins is a better passer than Lynn Bowden, but Bowden is a better runner with a better offensive line. Bud Foster has been good in the past stopping one-dimensional offenses. Especially with extra time to prepare. But this Kentucky rushing offense will be tough to stop for 60 minutes.

The Hokies will also be facing one of the better defenses in the SEC and in the country. They are a big, fast and experienced group. This group is tougher than any defense the Hokies have faced in the ACC this year. The Hokies have done a good job of keeping defenses on their toes with screens and misdirection. That may work against Kentucky but they will have had a long time to review tape to know the Hokies do on film. This is a good opportunity to throw in some wrinkles to keep the Kentucky defense on their toes.

The Hokies defense should be able to limit Kentucky’s one-dimensional attack. Lynn Bowden will break a big play or two but the Hokies defense should be able to limit Kentucky’s offense. What Virginia Tech can do on offense will decide this game. The Hokies need to be able to run the ball against Kentucky’s tough front seven. This game looks like what you’d hope from a bowl game — two well matched teams. The motivation factor of each team will have a lot to say over which team wins. The Hokies will want to move on from a disappointing performance against UVA. They will also want to send off Bud Foster the right way. But it may not be enough against a tough Kentucky team.

Prediction: Kentucky 28, Virginia Tech 27

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Belk Bowl Preview and Prediction

The Hokies had a strong showing in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson. They took the Tigers to the final possession. You can tell that the Hokies are close to taking the next step. They may just be a year or two away. Closing strong in recruiting would go a long way towards getting this program to the next level.

The Belk Bowl. It is not a warm weather bowl but a good bowl nonetheless. If the ACCCG had been in Charlotte, I think the Hokies would have gone to Orlando instead. Either way, the Hokies benefit considering Charlotte is only 175 miles from Blacksburg. And within a 6-hour drive for most Hokies. You should see a big contingent of orange and maroon in Charlotte.

Virginia Tech

Overall S&P+ ranking: 24th
Offensive S&P+ ranking: 50th
Defensive S&P+ ranking: 20th
Special Teams S&P+ ranking: 44th

Arkansas

Overall S&P+ ranking: 53rd
Offensive S&P+ ranking: 40th
Defensive S&P+ ranking: 76th
Special Teams S&P+ ranking: 47th

Arkansas reminds me a lot of Pitt. They have a bend but don’t break defense and strong running game. Their offense line is huge! This looks like the type of team that can run it at will on you. Like to the tune of 5 yards per carry. If they get in a groove early, they may be difficult to stop. Particularly with a new starter at defense end (Trevon Hill).

The Arkansas run game also sets up the play action pass down the field. Arkansas leads the SEC in pass yards per play. The run game can lull you to sleep while they go over the top. This is traditionally a scheme that has given the Hokies trouble over the years (see Pitt, GT).

Lucky for the Hokies, Arkansas does not have a running threat from the quarterback. The Hokies will need to focus on stopping the run to make the Razorback offense one dimensional.

On offense, the Hokies should be able to move the ball against the Arkansas defense. The Hokies spread rush attack combined with quarterback runs should have success. The Razorbacks are a little better at stopping the passing game but struggle on defense. It is critical that the Hokies take a lead early. They cannot play from behind in this game. If they do, the Arkansas running game can bludgeon them for long drives.

This is a tough game to pick. On paper, the Hokies are the better team. Offenses are pretty even. Hokies have a sizeable advantage on the defensive side of the ball. I’m concerned about motivation though. Hokies had a good season and played well in the ACC Championship Game. They are feeling good about themselves. Arkansas took a bad loss to Missouri in their last game and they are the underdogs in this game. They may have the advantage in the intangibles. They have more to play for than the Hokies do.

The Hokies are 1-6 in their last seven games against the SEC. They need to start winning games vs the big boys. This game is important for perception and for getting the Hokies back to winning 10 games a season. I think Justin Fuente will have this team prepared and ready to go. If they start the game well, I think they will be in good shape. But if they get down early, watch out. It could be a long day. I think this game will be like the Pitt game earlier in the year and the Hokies are able to pull it out in the end.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 37, Arkansas 30

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