Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech: 5 Things You Need To Know For Military Bowl

By Jerry Landry

Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech: 5 Things You Need To Know For Military Bowl

Military Bowl American Flag Flyover — Between a 6-6 Virginia Tech Hokies’ team that seesawed through its season, and the AAC co-champion Cincinnati Bearcats who finished 9-3, you wouldn’t think there’d be much intrigue to this Military Bowl matchup. Fortunately there is, but there are five things you’ll need to know first.

5. Cincinnati Can Throw The Ball Around The Yard

Gunner Kiel Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback

5. Cincinnati Can Throw The Ball Around The Yard

Gunner Kiel Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback — The Cincinnati Bearcats rank 13th in the FBS in passing yards per game. An ability to pass for 300.2 yards per game and put up points (35.4 per game) led the Bearcats to a 9-3 record and a share of the AAC championship. This aerial ability should make Cincinnati’s matchup against Virginia Tech’s only bright spot — the Hokies’ defense — both diametric and intriguing.

4. Virginia Tech Is 17th In Total Defense

Virginia Tech Hokies Wake Forest Football

4. Virginia Tech Is 17th In Total Defense

Virginia Tech Hokies Wake Forest Football — One thing the Hokies did do right all year was play competitive defense. They’re 15th in the country, allowing only 332 yards per game to go with a respectable 20.4 points per game allowed. I’m sure Frank Beamer would love to edit the adage and say “defense wins bowl games.”

3. Virginia Tech Is Undefeated Against Ranked Teams

Virginia Tech Quarterback Duke Football

3. Virginia Tech Is Undefeated Against Ranked Teams

Virginia Tech Quarterback Duke Football — All of us know that Virginia Tech beat Ohio State earlier this year -- we couldn’t turn on ESPN without hearing about it. Some of us know that Virginia Tech also upset Duke. Although Virginia Tech spoiled one season, many believed they should’ve spoiled another, going an unusual 2-0 against the Top 25, yet just 4-6 against the field.

2. Cincinnati and Virginia Tech Played Three Common Opponents

Ohio State Virginia Tech College Football Number Four

2. Cincinnati and Virginia Tech Played Three Common Opponents

Ohio State Virginia Tech College Football Number — This is crazy for two teams from different conferences, and it tells us a lot about what works against both teams. The Hokies and Bearcats both played East Carolina, Ohio State and Miami (Florida). Tech could only beat Ohio State, while Cincinnati’s lone win against the common three came to East Carolina.

1. Cincinatti’s Coach, Tommy Tuberville, Has A Better Bowl Winning Percentage

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Coach Tommy Tuberville

1. Cincinatti’s Coach, Tommy Tuberville, Has A Better Bowl Winning Percentage

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Coach Tommy Tuberville — It’s true, Frank Beamer is more fallible than you think, even if you’re a dejected 2014 Hokies fan. Tommy Tuberville has appeared in 11 bowl games, and won seven of them (0.636 PCT). Although Beamer edges him in appearances with 21, he has a losing record (9-12, 0.429 PCT) in bowl games.

Teams in this article »

Cincinnati Bearcats

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Virginia Tech Hokies

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