Orange Bowl (1-3)

[Cuck Flemson]

Kansas vs. Va. Tech


8pm kickoff

This is a Pick-em

[papasmurf]

Date/Time: Jan. 3, 8 p.m. ET Site: Dolphin Stadium, Miami Network: FOX
http://images.sportsline.com/images/collegebasketball/gamecenter/logos/VATECH.gif
Va. Tech

Offense: When the offensive line came together late in the season, getting both offensive tackles set serving as the last critical step in the unit's cohesiveness, the Hokies' offense took off. QBs Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon are playing well, sometimes on the same drive, and opposing coaches have universally validated the Virginia Tech offense as a very good one. Playmakers on the outside can be found, and the most consistent is WR Eddie Royal, who also serves as a dangerous presence in the return game. If the team has had a weakness, it's a lack of consistency in the running game. Taylor aids the team's statistical output in the running game, but RB Branden Ore hasn't been the world-beater many expected.
Defense: The Hokies placed three players on the first-team, All-ACC defense and LB Xavier Adibi and CB Brandon Flowers were named All-Americans. When DE/OLB Chris Ellis and the front four generate pressure, the back seven thrives on the result. With LB Vince Hall back in the mix -- he returned for the ACC title game -- the Hokies' defense should be fully intact for the Orange Bowl.

http://images.sportsline.com/images/collegebasketball/gamecenter/logos/KS.gif
Kansas

Offense: Balance is key, but the Jayhawks are coming off their worst start, going scoreless for two-and-a-half quarters to begin the Nov. 24 loss to Missouri. RB Brandon McAnderson is a featured power runner who usually combines with speedy RB Jake Sharp to form a potent one-two backfield punch, but Kansas was limited to 42 yards rushing against Missouri. QB Todd Reesing needs more support, and also needs to adjust his aim after his six-game string without an interception ended with two picks against the Tigers.
Defense: Like practically any team in this era, the Kansas defense can struggle against a prolific attack. It allowed 519 yards to Missouri, yet the Jayhawks are solid within each unit and usually can shut down opponents long enough for Reesing and the offense to establish control. Up front, DT James McClinton is a solid anchor who commands considerable attention, though pressure off the edge from undersized ends can be inconsistent.
http://sportsline.com/collegefootball/bowls/orange

Kansas http://assets.espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/2305.gif 26.8% vs. 73.2% http://assets.espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/sml/trans/259.gif Virginia Tech
http://games.espn.go.com/bowlmania/whopickedwhom

[papasmurf]

Virginia Tech (11-2) vs. Kansas (11-1)
January 3rd, 8:00 p.m. ET, Fox

Kansas will win if... Reesing gets time. While the KU passer has good mobility and has been decent under pressure, he hasn't faced a team that can bring the heat like Virginia Tech. The Hokie defensive front was able to get to Matt Ryan, and just about everyone else, finishing with 43 sacks on the year and pressure after pressure to force big mistakes including 21 interceptions. Kansas is at its best when it gets into a rhythm on both sides of the ball with a balanced offense and attacking defense that gets into the backfield. Mostly, the offense has keep the chains moving, can't expect to hit any home runs, and it has to be patient even if things don't go well early. This is Virginia Tech. There's a good chance it'll go into a second half lull if it gets comfortable.

The KU defense doesn't generate too many sacks, but it can get consistent pressure and it great against the run. Texas A&M was held to 74 rushing yards, Missouri only ran for 151, and Kansas State gained just 53 while only Oklahoma State ran for more than one touchdown. The Jayhawks will sell out against the run, for Tech to win through the air, and hope Talib and the playmaking secondary can get the job done.
Virginia Tech will win if... it can outKansas Kansas. KU thrives on turnovers, ball control offense, and capitalizing on every mistake. Sound familiar? The Virginia Tech defense is better than the Kansas defense, and the offense can be just as strong as KUs if the momentum is going the right way, but the Hokies need to win the turnover battle, has to come up with the bigger plays on special teams, and can't get down. KU is equipped to make a late charge or a potentially big comeback with Reesing and its offense, but Tech doesn't necessarily have the parts or the makeup to overcome a big deficit.

Hall, Adibi and the Hokie linebackers have to keep Brandon McAnderson and the KU running game from consistently breaking off big runs, while the defensive line has win the battle in the trenches and rush Reesing. Offensively, getting Branden Ore going is a must to settle down the offense. The more Reesing is on the sidelines, the better, and that comes from controlling the clock with the running game and coming up with third down stops. Virginia Tech is third in the nation in third down defense allowing teams to convert just 28.6% of their chances.

What will happen: It's not always going to be the prettiest of games with each defense coming up with its share of big stops early while the offenses try to establish a running game. Kansas will move the ball well only to see drive after drive stall, or end up with a field goal instead of a touchdown. Virginia Tech isn't going to force enough mistakes to make this a blowout of any sort, and it'll have a few moments when it's stunned that KU can actually play, but the D will tighten up in the second half while the offense will come up with two key drives to finally pull away.

Line: Virginia Tech -3.5... CFN Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 ... Kansas 16
http://cfn.scout.com/2/711234.html

[Gamecockfanatic4]

Hokies D is too much for Kansas

[Ga_Gamecock]

im surprised VT is favored. they dont have a very powerful O to go with their strong D...

[Will4144]

I hope Gamecockfanatic4 is right. I expect Brandon Ore to step up and show what made him so highly rated.

[Count Cockula]

Kansas should win, VT is way overrated IMO

[Gamecockfanatic4]

I hope Gamecockfanatic4 is right. I expect Brandon Ore to step up and show what made him so highly rated. Remember Ore is suspended for the 1st quarter tonight, I do like VT's Glennon and Taylor combo

[ChucktwnLawCock]

Im looking forward to this game. I think Kansas plays well, but end the end I think VT will be too physical on both sides of the ball for them...

[cockyguitarist]

I'm gonna go with the Jayhawks on this one. Virginia Tech's O has never been real spectacular and their running game is just ridiculously poor. Plus I just think Tech is overrated overall and hope they dont win.

[evilpoptart]

It would appear thus far Kansas is having its way with VT.

[ConwayGamecock]

It would appear thus far Kansas is having its way with VT.


like me and my womens......

[Cuck Flemson]

Congrats to Kansas and the members who picked them.

:mrgreen:

[evilpoptart]

VT are a bunch of freaking losers. The Orange bowl needs to drop the ACC tie in and get another SEC team or something.

[USCya]

Congrats to Kansas and the members who picked them.

:mrgreen:

:thumbsup: