On Dec 4, Virginia Tech extended their winning streak one
more game against the Miami Hurricanes, 10-16. This win
makes the Hokies the undisputed champions of the ACC. What
an accomplishment they have achieved in dominating the ACC in
their inaugural season with the conference.
Late in the game, the Hokies scored a touchdown that broke a
nail biting tie score, but Miami blocked the extra point
leaving Hokie fans with the very real worry that a single
touchdown gone unanswered would end the game with a 17-16
Miami win. But with a team that has the defense of Virginia
Tech, having a 10-16 lead under these circumstances lends
better odds, and the Hokie defense came through giving
Virginia Tech fans a reason to scream "ACC Champs!" while
leaving the Orange Bowl.
The Hokie defense did what fans have become accustomed to
watching, contained one of the most potent offenses in the
country. A well composed Brock Berlin executed pass plays
successfully, but Virginia Tech's defense kept composure and
limited the Miami offense to drives that didn't produce a high
amount of scoring.
I watched The Hokie offense play some of the best football
they've played all season. Why do I think that? They played
the most well rounded game of their twelve game season. Hokie
teams of the past have relied on one or two superstars to get
the job done on offense. This offense has a broad range of
talented players spanning many positions, beginning with the
offensive line and continuing through the running backs, wide
receivers, tight ends, and of course quarterback. The offense
used all their assets without going to the same play and same
player repeatedly.
One last thing, if the announcer of of the Miami game ever
reads this, you pronounce it as "said-rick" Humes, not
"see-drick" Humes!
*** vs. Auburn ***
In the Sugar Bowl, the Hokies have more than their hands full
facing who I believe should hold the Number 1 spot in the
country. Auburn has gone undefeated in the SEC, arguably the
toughest conference in College Football. They've got a well
rounded offense, a solid defense, and have won all their
contests this year by more than one touchdown.
However, even with the odds stacked against them, the Hokies
have the ability to take this one. On offense, if Auburn tries
to shut down the Hokie running game, they can go to their wide
receivers. If they shut down the wide receivers, the Hokies
can go to their tight ends. And when holes in the Auburn
line form, quarterback Bryan Randall can rush just as well as
a running back. When it comes to defense, I expect the Hokies
to play toe to toe against Auburn.
Some think that the Hokies' loss to USC earlier in the season
doesn't bode well for Virginia Tech's performance this game.
Already pundits haven't asked if the Hokies will loose, but how
badly. However, I confidently say that if the Hokies would
win against USC if a rematch happened in the post season. They
had three major factors going against them in their first
contest against USC. First, the Hokie wide receivers played
their first collegiate level game ever. Second, the running
game suffered from a suspended Michael Imoh and Cedrik Humes
still recovering from injury. Third, let's face it; the
pass interference call drastically changed the momentum
in saving the Trojans from the Hokies having the ball set on
the ten yardline, well poised to take an even bigger lead.
All in all, I think the Hokies will surprise a lot of College
Football fans this game by at the very least making it a good
game into the fourth quarter or by winning the game outright.
*** Glance at the Top-Ten ***
Last Predictions
----------------
1 USC vs. UCLA
Prediction: USC over UCLA by 33
Outcome: USC 29, UCLA 24
2 Oklahoma vs. Colorado
Prediction: Oklahoma over Colorado by 19
Outcome: Oklahoma 42, Colorado 3
3 Auburn vs. 15 Tennessee
Prediction: Auburn over Tennessee by 9
Outcome: Auburn 38, Tennessee 28
4 California vs. Southern Miss
Prediction: California over Southern Miss by 27
Outcome: California 26, Southern Miss 16
10 Louisville vs. Tulane
Prediction: Louisville over Tulane by 27
Outcome: Louisville 55, Tulane 7
Bowl Predictions
----------------
Orange Bowl: 2 Oklahoma vs. 1 USC
USC has ridden the waves of the early polls all season.
Oklahoma has gone undefeated this season with a tougher
schedule.
Prediction: Oklahoma by 17
Rose Bowl: 12 Michigan vs. 5 Texas
Both of these teams have played well with tough schedules.
I hate to make a call on this one.
Prediction: Texas by 2
Fiesta Bowl: 20 Pittsburgh vs. 6 Utah
The Big East has produced better conference champion
teams than this year.
Prediction: Utah by 31
Outback Bowl: 16 Wisconsin vs. 7 Georgia
Georgia has the better team, but I think Wisconsin will
pull this one out in the end with heart.
Wisconsin over Georgia by 6
Liberty Bowl: 10 Boise State vs. 8 Louisville
Louisville sits in a similar position that Virginia Tech
did back in the mid-90's in that it has the talent to
play with the top ten but struggles for that recognition.
This team almost beat Miami in the regular season. Boise
State has a good team, but I like Louisville better for
this one.
Prediction: Louisville by 10
Holiday Bowl: 21 Texas Tech vs. 4 California
Prediction: California by 14
Top 10 Rankings
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rank | "Where's the Ice" | ESPN/Coaches | AP | BCS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 | Auburn | USC | USC | USC
2 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Oklahoma
3 | USC | Auburn | Auburn | Auburn
4 | Texas | California | California | Texas
5 | California | Texas | Utah | California
6 | Va. Tech | Utah | Texas | Utah
7 | Utah | Georgia | Louisville | Georgia
8 | Louisville | Louisville | Georgia | Va. Tech
9 | Georgia | Va. Tech | Va. Tech | Boise State
10 | Tennessee | Boise State | Boise State | Louisville
