Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati Betting Trends - Orange Bowl

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

Orange Bowl—No. 19 Virginia Tech vs. No. 12 Cincinnati (8:00pm EST - Miami, FL)

Cincinnati (11-2 SU, 6-6 ATS) was ransacked by injuries throughout this season, most notably at quarterback where they’ve used four different starters, but head coach Brian Kelly has done a spectacular job of finding a way to win and claim its first Big East title. Cincinnati's ability to overcome countless hurdles earned them their first trip to a BCS game, as they'll appear in the Orange Bowl against No. 19 Virginia Tech (9-4 SU, 5-7 ATS).

The Bearcats beat three ranked opponents and their No. 12 ranking is the highest that either team has achieved this season. Though, Cincinnati didn't appear in the BCS standings until after its Nov. 8 game, and Virginia Tech didn't show up until the last week.

The Bearcats can strike quick on offense but the unit is at its best when they methodically move the ball by attacking the seams. Quarterback Tony Pike, who completed 62.9 percent of his passes with 18 TDs and seven interceptions this season, and his wideouts Dominick Goodman and Marty Gilyard will be in for a fight against Virginia Tech’s physical defense.

—Bearcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 bowl games.
—Bearcats are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
—Bearcats are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games on grass.
—Bearcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.

Frank Beamer’s Hokies love to send multiple defenders at the quarterback and force him to get the ball out of his hands quickly and make mistakes. If Pike can’t read the defense at the line, than he’s going to have a long day. Still, the Bearcats have an experienced defense and match up well against an inexperienced Hokie offense.

While Tyrod Taylor looked good in the ACC Championship Game against Boston College, he must prove that he can win moving the ball through the air. If the Bearcats contain him and not allow him to keep drives alive with his feet, Tech might struggle putting points on the board.

—Hokies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 bowl games.
—Hokies are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
—Hokies are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
—Hokies are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 Thursday games.

Beamer, who has the Hokies in the Orange Bowl for the second straight year, is seeking to end the ACC’s eight-game losing streak in BCS bowls. The Hokies gave up 17.5 points per game this season, and held nine of their 13 opponents below 20. They forced 30 turnovers, including four games with four takeaways or more.

Analysis: Cincinnati has had a great season. But this game should come down to two things – defense and special teams, which are the two things that make ''Beamer Ball'' what it is.

Free BCS Bowl Picks: Virginia Tech +2½