Cram Session - Bowl Edition

The BCS bowls got off to an exciting start yesterday. Oregon outlasted Wisconsin in a track meet in the Rose Bowl, and Oklahoma State defeated Stanford in overtime in the Fiesta Bowl. The third BCS bowl is tonight in New Orleans with Michigan taking on Virginia Tech.

Sugar Bowl, Tuesday, January 3

#13 Michigan (10-2) vs. #11 Virginia Tech (11-2) in New Orleans, Louisiana

Michigan capped off a strong first season under Brady Hoke by defeating their rivals, Ohio State for the first time since 2003. Not many have questioned them being invited to the Sugar Bowl. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Virginia Tech. Tech was thrashed for the second time this season by Clemson and many assumed were heading for something like the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Instead, they were shockingly given an at-large bid to the Sugar Bowl despite basically not beating anyone worth a damn all season. If they lose this game or even worse get blown out the hate will grow even greater for Tech's inclusion over teams like Boise State, Kansas State and Arkansas. While Tech struggled with true competition they have some talented players, especially on offense. Quarterback Logan Thomas improved as the year went on and finished with 19 TDs, 9 INTs and 2,799 yards passing. However, the player that carried the team was RB David Wilson. Wilson was named the ACC player of the year and with good reason. He rushed for over 120 yards in 10 of Tech's 13 games, and finished the season with 1,627 rushing yards and 9 TDs. He is coming off his worst game of the season, where Clemson held him to just 32 yards on 11 carries. Tech has a pretty potent 1-2 punch at wide receiver with Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin. They are down to their third kicker in this game, their starting kicker was arrested on a felony charge, and their backup was sent home after missing curfew. That will definitely be something to watch in what could be a close game. When people think of Michigan their thoughts immediately turn to QB Denard Robinson. Robinson saw his interceptions spike this year, and his completion percentage and passing yards dip, but he was dealing with a staph infection most of the season. He still remains a major threat running the ball, and the Wolverines also have a 1,000 yard running back in Fitzgerald Touissaint. Both teams play strong defense, so it will be interesting to see what kind of success the ground games for each team will have. I think Tech will be motivated to prove they belong in this game but I think the Wolverines are better. I also think the kicking game will definitely become a factor. Tech fans should like this since I can't seem to pick a game of theirs right lately but I like the Wolverines to get the win.

Prediction: Michigan 27, Virginia Tech 17

Overall Record: 117-22