Fed Ex Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

The Orange Bowl boasts two teams that have overcome a lot of adversity this season. Virginia Tech lost its first game of the season to East Carolina in a huge upset. The Bearcats have played seven different quarterbacks under center this season because of injuries. For both teams to win their conference championships against those odds is pretty outstanding.

The Bearcats have the 25 best passing offense even though they’ve played musical quarterbacks all season long. The stable starter for the Bearcats is Junior QB, Tony Pike, who has thrown 18Tds and only 7 picks. A lot of that has to be credited to his outstanding wideouts, Junior Marshwan Gilyard had 74 receptions for 1,118 yards and 10 TDs, while senior Dominick Goodman caught 78 passes for 977 yards and seven scores.

The Cincinnati defense is stout against the run allowing 104 yards per game which ranks them 13th in the FBS and 9th in sacks registering 2.85 sacks per game.

The Hokies defense, run game and special teams have been their staple since head coach Frank Beamer learned how to talk.

The Hokies offense is led by redshirt freshman Darren Evans, who rushed for 1,112 yards and 10 touchdowns. He showed his naked tail with a show out performance on national television with a 253-yard effort Nov. 6 in a 23-13 victory over then-No. 23 Maryland. Even though Evans leds the team, Sophomore QB Tyrod Taylor is the glue that holds the team together. His numbers aren’t stellar but he makes big plays when the Hokies need them and he is always a threat to run.

The Hokies defense is led by Senior Cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris, who leads the team with 6 picks. On the other side is Junior Cornerback Stephan Virgil who has 5 picks on the year. The defense ranks 7th in total defense and 18th in scoring defense only allowing 17.5 points per game. Nine of the 13 Hokies opponents have been held below 20 points. The defense have forced 30 turnovers tying them for 10th in the nation.

Who is going to win? I have to go with the Hokies. They will be able to rush the ball against Cincy with ease. The game will be won on the outside with Macho Harris and Stephan Virgil, the corners for the Hokies against, Marshawn Gilyard and Dominick Goodman, because the 7th rank Hokies defense will neutralize the rushing attack of the Bearcats.


Happy New Year,


Rajean Pierre Louis