Orange Bowl Preview

FedEx Orange Bowl
Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech
Thursday, January 1, 8:30
on FOX
Dolphin Stadium - Miami

Why you should watch:

• The second BCS game of the season
  
• I really think this game will be better than most of them
• 2 solid teams that have something to prove
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• Late start means if you work Friday you won't see it all
• Might not be much scoring
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Cincinnati:

• 11-2 (6-1)
  
• 4th bowl game last 5 years (3-0)
• Won 6 straight games
  

Virginia Tech:

• 9-4 (6-3)
  
• 16th straight bowl game (6-9): lost 4 of last 5
• Won 4 of last 5 games including 3 straight
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Cincinnati:

• Offensively they are a pass first team. They average 254 yards passing but only 121 yards rushing per game.
  
• Defensively they are solid especially against the run where they only allow 104 yards per game.
  
• QB Tony Pike was low on the depth chart at the start of the season. But due to injuries he is now the starter. He has over 2,100 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
  
• WRs Marshawn Gilyard and Dominick Goodman have combined for 152 receptions, 2,095 yards, and 17 touchdowns this season.
  
• DE Connor Barwin has 14.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks this season.

Virginia Tech:

• Offensively they are a running team that sucks at passing. They are 111th in passing offense this season.
  
• This team wins with defense. They allow only 107 rushing yards per game and 170 yards passing. They are also 13th in the country in scoring defense.
  
• QB Tyrod Taylor isn't the most polished passer but he can run with the ball. Combined he has totaled 1,587 yards and 8 touchdowns in limited time this season.
  
• RB Darren Evans is the workhorse. He has over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
• DEs Jason Worilds and Orion Martin and LB Cody Grimm are forces on the defensive side of the ball. Combined they have 44 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 15 quarterback hurries.
  

Who Wins:

Cincinnati....VaTech is going to be without a couple starters for sure and possibly Worilds as well. On top of that I don't think the Hokies can keep up with Cincy's on the scoreboard. If Taylor or Sean Glennon can learn how to throw the ball effectively then MAYBE Tech has a chance.