Scarlet Knights vs Hokies NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
In 2012, Virginia Tech has not had a very Virginia Tech season. The Blacksburg squad led seemingly forever by head coach Frank Beamer has a sterling reputation for churning out winning seasons, yet the Hokies limped to a .500 mark this season.
Russell Athletic Bowl
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6)
Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, 5:30 pm EST
Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando FL
Betting Information Courtesy Sportsbook.ag
Rutgers +2.5, V. Tech -2.5
Over/Under: 41.5
ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!
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Beamer has posted eight consecutive 10-win seasons, but that streak will come to a decisive end this year.
In fact, the Hokies only snuck into the postseason after winning their final two games.
Rutgers was having a downright magical campaign until it lost its final two contests versus Big East rivals Pittsburgh and Louisville.
The Scarlet Knights were 9-1 going into those final games, with a victory over the SEC’s Arkansas to further boost their ego. Despite the recent disappointments, the Knights have been getting it done all season with some gnarly defense; Rutgers ranks fourth in the nation in points allowed, yielding barely over two touchdowns per game (14.3 ppg).
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With the recent news breaking that Rutgers will make the transition to the Big Ten – plus the Big East title slipping away – new head coach Kyle Flood must ensure that his kids are focused on this bowl game.
If Tech are going to somewhat redeem its unimpressive 2012 season, it must do it with the versatility of massive junior QB Logan Thomas. The 6”6, 260-lb pivot can get the job done with his arm or his feet, as evidenced by 2,783 passing yards and also leading the Hokies in rushing, with 528 yards and nine TDs. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Thomas has chucked 14 INTs this year, however, and the fact that he leads Tech in rushing – a squad that often has a RB eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier – is troubling and perhaps a barometer of why the Hokies haven’t done so well this year. In their last game, the Hokies only just beat in-state rival (and conference doormat) Virginia, 17-14.
The usually vaunted Hokies defense has surrendered points in bunches to foes like Clemson and North Carolina; in addition to a strong defensive effort, Thomas must have a strong performance against the tricky Rutgers “D”.
Despite Rutgers performing much better in 2012 than Virginia Tech, I could see the Hokies pulling out a victory largely for two reasons: Firstly, the teams’ fortunes have been shifting in opposite directions of last, and also because of the Knights’ excitement about the conference promotion and the possible perception that the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando is a consolation prize.
This is, after all, a Rutgers team that looked poised to grab the Big East crown outright, until just a few weeks ago. Look for Tech to catch Rutgers flat-footed, with the Knights playing with more gusto once they are represented by the Big Ten’s logo.
Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Rutgers 10
