By Daniel Freer
Although it may not share the same marquee-value as the BCS National Championship Game that will be played in the same Dolphins Stadium one week later, the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl (January 1st, 8:30 PM, Fox) will feature two conference champions who want to represent themselves, and their sometimes-maligned conferences, in a grand fashion before a national television audience.
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Cincinnati Bearcats, both the somewhat-surprising champions of their conferences (ACC, Big East, respectively), meet in suburban Miami in what could be a close, low-scoring matchup.
The Orange Bowl could be the national-breakout game for some talented athletes from both teams, including Cincinnati WR Mardy Gilyard (photo, thanks IconSMI), who faces one of the best pass defenses in the land in Virginia Tech.
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (Head Coach: Frank Beamer)
Usually, when discussing teams, the offense is mentioned first. However, with the Hokies (9-4), it is best to talk about the defense and special teams, first
Although the Mullins BlitzIndex 2008 Prebowl BlitzIndex Worksheet – Google Docs lists the Hokies at 29th overall on defense, they dominate in their usually strong categories…especially turnovers and turnover margin. Virginia Tech snagged 30 turnovers from opponents this season…six of them in interceptions by top CB Victor “Macho” Harris…two of those returned for TDs
Special teams are another area of strength for the Hokies, who annually block a number of kicks and punts…while returning opponents kicks and punts for TDs. Hokies head man Frank Beamer coaches the special teams himself…one of the few head coaches that directly handle that area.
Offensively, the Hokies have a top RB in Darren Evans, who ran for over 1100 yards and 10 TDs in 2008. His performance has been a boon to the Hokies, who have struggled to throw the football this season.
Not that QB Tyrod Taylor is a slouch at running the offense. He was second on the team in rushing with nearly 700 yards and 6 TDs. Taylor threw for under 900 yards in 2008, but his main weapons are his legs. The top receiver for VT this season was WR Jarrett Boykin, who had 413 yards receiving and 2 TDs.
CINCINNATI BEARCATS (Head Coach: Brian Kelly)
With the Bearcats, the top two players to watch are at wide receiver. WRs Mardy Gilyard (1118 yards, 7 TDs receiving) and Dominick Goodman (977 yards, 7 TDs receiving), possess big-play capability…and make it hard for opposing defenses to get away with double-covering one or the other.
Having two top-flight WRs has made it an easier transition for Bearcat QB Tony Pike, who took over the starting QB job when Dustin Grutza suffered a season-ending injury early in 2008. Pike responded with over 2100 yards passing and 18 TD passes…and hit a number of big pass plays during the Bearcats championship run.
The UC backfield has been steady most of the season, led by RBs Jacob Ramsey (630 yards, 2 TDs) and John Goebel (581 yards, 7 TDs). The ground game could be a factor if the Hokies are able to contain the Bearcats passing attack.
Although Virginia Tech gets more recognition for its defense, the Bearcats defenders were pretty good, too…in fact, finishing ahead of the Hokies in the Mullins BlitzIndex.
INTERESTING:
Virginia Tech has lost the last four BCS Bowls they have played in, including a loss in last season’s Orange Bowl game to Kansas. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), as a whole, have lost in their last 8 BCS Bowl appearances.
Cincinnati is making their first-ever BCS Bowl appearance, and their 10th overall bowl appearance in the program’s history. Their Big East Conference brethren have fared much better in BCS Bowls than their ACC counterparts in recent years…Big East teams have won in their last three BCS Bowl games.
Both schools have met in a bowl game previously, in the 1947 Sun Bowl, won by Cincinnati. It was the first-ever bowl game for both programs.
IN SUMMATION:
Look for a low-scoring game, and, one which could be won with a big play late in the game. Especially watch the matchup between Cincinnati’s WR duo of Gilyard and Goodman, against the tough Virginia Tech secondary. Whoever fares better between the two groups should win the game. In an overall assessment of both teams, Cincinnati may have the slight advantage over Virginia Tech…especially if the offenses needs to make key plays late.
PREDICTION:
Cincinnati 20 Virginia Tech 16
Well done … especially since many are snubbing their nose at this game.
Yes, I’m a UC fan who is wary of VT QB. On the other hand, remember the name Isaiah Pead, a freshman RB for UC who was seeing some time late in the year.