College football |
Recruiting news |
Slide show |
more photos |
No. 8 Kansas (11-1)
vs.
No. 5 Virginia Tech (11-2)
Date: Jan. 3
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Miami
Television: FOX
Payout: $17 million
Last result: Louisville 24, Wake Forest 13
2007 results: Kansas; Virginia Tech
2007 statistics: Kansas; Virginia Tech
Coaches: Mark Mangino (Kansas); Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech)
Bowl history/last appearance: Kansas 4-6 (won 42-13 over Houston in '05 Fort Worth); Virginia Tech 7-13 (lost 31-24 to Georgia in '06 Chick-fil-A)
Series: First meeting
What Kansas must do to win: The Jayhawks need to find some passing lanes for their quarterback, Todd Reesing, who is 5-foot-11 and will have Virginia Tech’s pressing defense in his face throughout the game. Reesing threw 32 touchdown passes this season, but when it came to a big moment, he and his offensive line could not play with Missouri. Virginia Tech is a much better defense than what Mizzou has seen all season. A misdirection running game and some slip screens can slow down the Hokies who pursue.
If Tech gets an extra defender in pass coverage, KU has to be able to run the ball so Reesing isn’t looking at a picket fence defense all night. The Jayhawks ran for 196 yards per game, but got just 39 yards against Missouri in their only loss of the season. They have to be more balanced. The other thing KU has to do is handle the short out patterns to Tech’s very good wide receiver corps led by Josh Morgan and Eddie Royal. These guys are physical and can turn up field with the ball. The Jayhawks also better get ready for the Hokies’ No. 2 quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who ran for 431 yards this season. Kansas had trouble with the mobility of Mizzou’s Chase Daniel.
What Virginia Tech must do to win: Be prepared to throw. Kansas ranked in the top 10 in run defense and while it was not against the stiffest competition — KU ranked 109 among 118 teams in strength of schedule — the Jayhawks are still going to be formidable. Tech quarterback Sean Glennon handled all of Georgia Tech’s blitzes in a victory in Atlanta during the regular season and he will need the same poise and accuracy in this game. Glennon was the MVP of the ACC championship game with three touchdown strikes against Boston College, but the Hokies can also change up with a running quarterback, Tyrod Taylor.
The feature running back Branden Ore had just one game rushing for over 100 yards as Tech started to throw the ball more. You have to assume the Hokies want to control the ball if they get into the game and Kansas is just as good as the 11-1 record indicates. Tech has to get its hands up on defense and distract Reesing. He throws it well and accurately with a little time.
Opening point spread: Even (54)
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Kansas 24
MVP: Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon
Live vote: Who will win?
ALSO ON THIS STORY |
Rate this story | Low | High |
MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL |
Add College football headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links