SERVICE PLAYS FOR THURSDAY JAN. 3RD 2008
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SERVICE PLAYS FOR THUR 1/3
- Thread starter GIANTS007
- Start date
NORTHCOAST POWERSWEEP
First meeting. This will be the Jayhawks 1st ever BCS bowl game, their 11th all-time bowl & 3rd under Mangino.
They last played in the Ft Worth Bowl, a 42-13 (-3) win over Houston in 2005. This is the 3rd KU appearance
in the Orange Bowl (last in ?69, 15-14 loss to Penn St). VT will be making their 15th straight bowl incl 4 BCS
gms under Beamer & have gone 6-8 SU & ATS. They faced Georgia LY in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, a 31-24 loss
(-3). The Hokies have played in one Orange Bowl, a 41-21 (+16) loss to Nebraska in ?96. The Jayhawks won
11 straight & rose to #2 before losing the ssn finale to Missouri 36-28, but it did little to hurt their BCS chances
as MU fell to OU in Big 12 Title gm. VT is by far the toughest def they will meet TY. VT was crushed by LSU
48-7 early in the ssn & lost to BC 14-10 mid-ssn. They redeemed themselves, beating BC 30-16 in the ACC
Champ gm. Under Beamer, VT has had 10+ wins in 7 of 9 ssns. Kansas went 10-1 ATS TY but is 10-14 ATS
(incl bowls) as an AD under Mangino while VT is 12-2 (incl bowls) as an AF the L/3Y. KU has played 5 bowl
caliber teams going 4-1 SU & ATS, outscoring those foes on avg 32-19 & outgaining them on avg 440-391.
VT has played 7 bowl caliber teams (BC 2x) and is 6-2 SU & 5-3 ATS outscoring opp?s on avg 26-19 but were
outgained on avg 334-322. VT plays its HG?s on grass while KU was 0-6 ATS on it before going 3-1 the L/2Y.
The Hokies have 10 seniors among 17 upperclassmen starters and KU has 5 among 18. Both teams should
be represented well here as KU faithful travelled TY with all their success and this is the biggest bowl in school
history while the VT always brings a crowd incl 10,000 that traveled to Durham (23,000 in attn).
Since their early loss to BC, in a game they completely dominated for the first 55 mins, the Hokies have
outscored their opp?s 174-75. QB?s Glennon and Taylor have combined for 23 TD and have embraced their
shared role. RB Ore led the team in rushing but did not have the year that was expected after finishing #1 in
the ACC LY. Their #2 rusher is QB Taylor. The Hokies are avg 199 ypg thru the air and the off ranks #54. The
OL avg 6?4? 320 but only opened holes for 134 ypg (3.4) rush & all?d 49 sks (#114 in NCAA). The strength
of VT is their defense (#5) and the infamous ?Beamer Ball? sp tms (#4). VT is 2nd in the NCAA in scoring
defense only all?g 15.5 ppg. The DL avg 6?3? 277 with 3 Sr starters led by DE Ellis and DT Booker. VT is only
all?g 86 ypg (2.8) and has 43 sks. The LB corps is solid with AA Adibi (#1 tklr) and the return of Hall (#2 tklr),
who missed 4 gms with inj. The Hokies have our #3 ranked pass eff D all?g 207 ypg (53%) and are tied at #3
in NCAA with 9 pass D TD and 21 int. The secondary is led by CB Flowers and ?Macho? Harris, who have 5
int apiece. PR Royal is 8th in the NCAA and has 2 TD. VT has blk?d 117 P?s, FG?s or xp S/?90.
Kansas has our #14 offensive ranking avg 44 ppg & 491 ypg. They rank #2 in scoring offense & #6 in
total offense in the NCAA. KU returned 6 starters from LY but had to replace their top RB, WR and didn?t
know in spring who the QB was going to be. Soph Reesing (5?11?) became the only QB to start every game
under Mangino & was on a 6 gm streak without an int until 2 vs Mizzou. Meier provides a capable backup at
QB & is too athletic to keep off the field. FB-turned-RB McAnderson led the team in rushing as their between
the tackle bruiser while #2 RB Sharp provides the Jayhawks with a speed option. The WR corps is led by
NFL prototype Henry who provides a legit deep threat. The OL avg 6?5? 301 paving the way for 197 ypg (5.0)
but all?d 22 sks (5.0%). They are led by the Big 12?s most legit NFL OL RT Collins (Outland finalist). The def
returned 8 starters from a ?06 squad that all?d 26 ppg. They have our #15 ranking, all?g only 16 ppg (#5 NCAA),
318 ypg & tallying 21 sks. The DL avg 6?3? 266 and solid all?g 91 rush ypg (3.1). The leader of the def is LB
Mortenson, who led the Big 12 in tfl. Nagurski finalist CB Talib led the Big 12 in PD including a 100 yd IR TD
& also added 4 off TD. KU has our #9 pass efficiency defense all?g 227 ypg (58%) with a 16-20 ratio and KU
has our #56 ST?s ranking led by KR Herford who ranks 7th in the NCAA.
The Orange Bowl isn?t a bad consolation considering Kansas had the BCS Championship game in
their sights. Virginia Tech finished at 11-2 and was demolished in an early season marquee game at LSU
and let BC QB Ryan score twice in the final 3 minutes for their second loss. Once they got beat in week
2, their goals changed to winning the ACC and making an Orange Bowl appearance. The difference in
this game may very well come down to the special teams and ?Beamer Ball? will always win that battle.
One of KU?s most potent weapons is KR Herford with a 30 ypr avg but that is also negated by the VT KR
def that allows 18.8 ypr and has 12 TB?s. KU played their biggest game under Mangino in their loss to
Missouri while high profile games have been a norm for VT.
FORECAST: VIRGINIA TECH 30 Kansas 17 RATING: 4★
First meeting. This will be the Jayhawks 1st ever BCS bowl game, their 11th all-time bowl & 3rd under Mangino.
They last played in the Ft Worth Bowl, a 42-13 (-3) win over Houston in 2005. This is the 3rd KU appearance
in the Orange Bowl (last in ?69, 15-14 loss to Penn St). VT will be making their 15th straight bowl incl 4 BCS
gms under Beamer & have gone 6-8 SU & ATS. They faced Georgia LY in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, a 31-24 loss
(-3). The Hokies have played in one Orange Bowl, a 41-21 (+16) loss to Nebraska in ?96. The Jayhawks won
11 straight & rose to #2 before losing the ssn finale to Missouri 36-28, but it did little to hurt their BCS chances
as MU fell to OU in Big 12 Title gm. VT is by far the toughest def they will meet TY. VT was crushed by LSU
48-7 early in the ssn & lost to BC 14-10 mid-ssn. They redeemed themselves, beating BC 30-16 in the ACC
Champ gm. Under Beamer, VT has had 10+ wins in 7 of 9 ssns. Kansas went 10-1 ATS TY but is 10-14 ATS
(incl bowls) as an AD under Mangino while VT is 12-2 (incl bowls) as an AF the L/3Y. KU has played 5 bowl
caliber teams going 4-1 SU & ATS, outscoring those foes on avg 32-19 & outgaining them on avg 440-391.
VT has played 7 bowl caliber teams (BC 2x) and is 6-2 SU & 5-3 ATS outscoring opp?s on avg 26-19 but were
outgained on avg 334-322. VT plays its HG?s on grass while KU was 0-6 ATS on it before going 3-1 the L/2Y.
The Hokies have 10 seniors among 17 upperclassmen starters and KU has 5 among 18. Both teams should
be represented well here as KU faithful travelled TY with all their success and this is the biggest bowl in school
history while the VT always brings a crowd incl 10,000 that traveled to Durham (23,000 in attn).
Since their early loss to BC, in a game they completely dominated for the first 55 mins, the Hokies have
outscored their opp?s 174-75. QB?s Glennon and Taylor have combined for 23 TD and have embraced their
shared role. RB Ore led the team in rushing but did not have the year that was expected after finishing #1 in
the ACC LY. Their #2 rusher is QB Taylor. The Hokies are avg 199 ypg thru the air and the off ranks #54. The
OL avg 6?4? 320 but only opened holes for 134 ypg (3.4) rush & all?d 49 sks (#114 in NCAA). The strength
of VT is their defense (#5) and the infamous ?Beamer Ball? sp tms (#4). VT is 2nd in the NCAA in scoring
defense only all?g 15.5 ppg. The DL avg 6?3? 277 with 3 Sr starters led by DE Ellis and DT Booker. VT is only
all?g 86 ypg (2.8) and has 43 sks. The LB corps is solid with AA Adibi (#1 tklr) and the return of Hall (#2 tklr),
who missed 4 gms with inj. The Hokies have our #3 ranked pass eff D all?g 207 ypg (53%) and are tied at #3
in NCAA with 9 pass D TD and 21 int. The secondary is led by CB Flowers and ?Macho? Harris, who have 5
int apiece. PR Royal is 8th in the NCAA and has 2 TD. VT has blk?d 117 P?s, FG?s or xp S/?90.
Kansas has our #14 offensive ranking avg 44 ppg & 491 ypg. They rank #2 in scoring offense & #6 in
total offense in the NCAA. KU returned 6 starters from LY but had to replace their top RB, WR and didn?t
know in spring who the QB was going to be. Soph Reesing (5?11?) became the only QB to start every game
under Mangino & was on a 6 gm streak without an int until 2 vs Mizzou. Meier provides a capable backup at
QB & is too athletic to keep off the field. FB-turned-RB McAnderson led the team in rushing as their between
the tackle bruiser while #2 RB Sharp provides the Jayhawks with a speed option. The WR corps is led by
NFL prototype Henry who provides a legit deep threat. The OL avg 6?5? 301 paving the way for 197 ypg (5.0)
but all?d 22 sks (5.0%). They are led by the Big 12?s most legit NFL OL RT Collins (Outland finalist). The def
returned 8 starters from a ?06 squad that all?d 26 ppg. They have our #15 ranking, all?g only 16 ppg (#5 NCAA),
318 ypg & tallying 21 sks. The DL avg 6?3? 266 and solid all?g 91 rush ypg (3.1). The leader of the def is LB
Mortenson, who led the Big 12 in tfl. Nagurski finalist CB Talib led the Big 12 in PD including a 100 yd IR TD
& also added 4 off TD. KU has our #9 pass efficiency defense all?g 227 ypg (58%) with a 16-20 ratio and KU
has our #56 ST?s ranking led by KR Herford who ranks 7th in the NCAA.
The Orange Bowl isn?t a bad consolation considering Kansas had the BCS Championship game in
their sights. Virginia Tech finished at 11-2 and was demolished in an early season marquee game at LSU
and let BC QB Ryan score twice in the final 3 minutes for their second loss. Once they got beat in week
2, their goals changed to winning the ACC and making an Orange Bowl appearance. The difference in
this game may very well come down to the special teams and ?Beamer Ball? will always win that battle.
One of KU?s most potent weapons is KR Herford with a 30 ypr avg but that is also negated by the VT KR
def that allows 18.8 ypr and has 12 TB?s. KU played their biggest game under Mangino in their loss to
Missouri while high profile games have been a norm for VT.
FORECAST: VIRGINIA TECH 30 Kansas 17 RATING: 4★
THE GOLD SHEET
ORANGE BOWL
KANSAS (11-1) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (11-2)
Thursday, January 3 Night at Miami, FL (Grass Field)
TEAM GP SUR PSR PF PA YR YP T-R-P YR YP T-R-P TO DIFF OPR
Kansas 11 10-110-1 43 17 195 295 61-25-32 103 238 24-7-16 +19 8.0 13.6
Virg. Tech 12 10-2 7-4 28 17 134 203 40-19-15 93 203 24-13-9 +10 6.0 9.8
*Virginia Tech 27 - Kansas 19?The ?strength of schedule? argument is hardly
a foolproof one, especially as it relates to successful teams having faced a lessthan-
demanding slate. It doesn?t necessarily mean that squad can?t meet a
serious challenge when presented. How, then, should we evaluate Kansas, a
revelation in winning its first 11 games (and covering the first ten vs. the
number), but undoubtedly the beneficiary of a woeful non-conference schedule
and fortuitous Big XII fixture list that avoided all of the heavyweights (namely
Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech) from the southern half of the loop?
As it relates to this bowl matchup vs. Virginia Tech, we believe more might
be learned from the Jayhawks? November 24 loss vs. Missouri, when KU was
outclassed for much of the night before a belated late rally vs. the Tigers?
prevent defense made the final score look a bit more respectable. Not to
mention the fundamental challenge presented by the Hokies, whose defensive
presence is far more menacing than any the Jayhawks were forced to confront
during the regular season.
And how the KU attack fares vs. a typically disruptive Bud Foster Hokie ?D?
is paramount to any analysis of this matchup. Although Jayhawk soph QB Todd
Reesing (32 TDP vs. only 6 picks!) was certainly marvelous in ?07, it?s worth
noting that he and the potent KU attack didn?t post big numbers vs. the moredemanding
tests on the schedule. The Jayhawks scored only 19 points at both
Colorado & Texas A&M; Reesing netted less than 200 passing yards vs. both
the Buffs and Aggies; KU?s usually-robust infantry gained only 42 rushing yards
in that Big XII North showdown vs. Mizzou.
Indeed, we are a bit more impressed with what VT has accomplished,
especially down the stretch when the Hokies were definitely one of the nation?s
hottest teams, winning and covering their last 5, and 7 of their last 8, avenging
their only defeat in that span by beating BC in ACC title game. VT?s offense,
which struggled in September and much of October, began to jell as its young
OL matured and sr. QB Sean Glennon returned to the lineup following an earlyseason
stint on the bench. And HC Frank Beamer seems to have found the
proper balance by rotating Glennon and more-elusive true frosh Tyrod Taylor at
QB, creating a awkward change-of-pace for opposing defenses. Hard as it is to
imagine anything being too big a bite for Jayhawk HC Mark Mangino to swallow,
the combo of VT?s harassing ?D? and now-capable Hokie ?O? will cause the KU
coach lots of indigestion.
(DNP...SR: FIRST MEETING)
ORANGE BOWL
KANSAS (11-1) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (11-2)
Thursday, January 3 Night at Miami, FL (Grass Field)
TEAM GP SUR PSR PF PA YR YP T-R-P YR YP T-R-P TO DIFF OPR
Kansas 11 10-110-1 43 17 195 295 61-25-32 103 238 24-7-16 +19 8.0 13.6
Virg. Tech 12 10-2 7-4 28 17 134 203 40-19-15 93 203 24-13-9 +10 6.0 9.8
*Virginia Tech 27 - Kansas 19?The ?strength of schedule? argument is hardly
a foolproof one, especially as it relates to successful teams having faced a lessthan-
demanding slate. It doesn?t necessarily mean that squad can?t meet a
serious challenge when presented. How, then, should we evaluate Kansas, a
revelation in winning its first 11 games (and covering the first ten vs. the
number), but undoubtedly the beneficiary of a woeful non-conference schedule
and fortuitous Big XII fixture list that avoided all of the heavyweights (namely
Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech) from the southern half of the loop?
As it relates to this bowl matchup vs. Virginia Tech, we believe more might
be learned from the Jayhawks? November 24 loss vs. Missouri, when KU was
outclassed for much of the night before a belated late rally vs. the Tigers?
prevent defense made the final score look a bit more respectable. Not to
mention the fundamental challenge presented by the Hokies, whose defensive
presence is far more menacing than any the Jayhawks were forced to confront
during the regular season.
And how the KU attack fares vs. a typically disruptive Bud Foster Hokie ?D?
is paramount to any analysis of this matchup. Although Jayhawk soph QB Todd
Reesing (32 TDP vs. only 6 picks!) was certainly marvelous in ?07, it?s worth
noting that he and the potent KU attack didn?t post big numbers vs. the moredemanding
tests on the schedule. The Jayhawks scored only 19 points at both
Colorado & Texas A&M; Reesing netted less than 200 passing yards vs. both
the Buffs and Aggies; KU?s usually-robust infantry gained only 42 rushing yards
in that Big XII North showdown vs. Mizzou.
Indeed, we are a bit more impressed with what VT has accomplished,
especially down the stretch when the Hokies were definitely one of the nation?s
hottest teams, winning and covering their last 5, and 7 of their last 8, avenging
their only defeat in that span by beating BC in ACC title game. VT?s offense,
which struggled in September and much of October, began to jell as its young
OL matured and sr. QB Sean Glennon returned to the lineup following an earlyseason
stint on the bench. And HC Frank Beamer seems to have found the
proper balance by rotating Glennon and more-elusive true frosh Tyrod Taylor at
QB, creating a awkward change-of-pace for opposing defenses. Hard as it is to
imagine anything being too big a bite for Jayhawk HC Mark Mangino to swallow,
the combo of VT?s harassing ?D? and now-capable Hokie ?O? will cause the KU
coach lots of indigestion.
(DNP...SR: FIRST MEETING)
MARC LAWRENCE PLAYBOOK
ORANGE BOWL
Kansas Mangino: 18-6 SU & 12-7 ATS vs non-con opp
Va Tech 1-8 SU & 2-7 ATS as Bowlers vs opp allows < 18 PPG
ORANGE BOWL
Kansas Mangino: 18-6 SU & 12-7 ATS vs non-con opp
Va Tech 1-8 SU & 2-7 ATS as Bowlers vs opp allows < 18 PPG
WINNING POINTS
ORANGE BOWL
(January 3 at Miami)
VIRGINIA TECH over KANSAS by 7
OK, it is way too easy of a reference to Dorothy looking wide-eyed and saying
?We?re not in Kansas anymore?, but that really is a proper way to start this one.
While Mark Mangino?s team was one of the truly great stories in college football
this season, the Jayhawks have had one of the easiest schedule rides ever for a team
to get to a BCS bowl. Now they have to do all of their prep for this game after suffering
their first loss of the season, which can create some confidence issues, and
the big-time spotlight is also thrown on a team that has precious little experience
in such settings. They have only been to two previous bowls in Mangino?s six seasons,
and in the only underdog appearance for rocked by 30 vs. N. C. State four
years ago. Now they are in against the real thing both in terms of talent and experience.
Virginia Tech was just a late rally by Matt Ryan and Boston College of having
gone 12-1, and the Hokies had to earn their way, facing the likes of LSU,
Clemson, Georgia Tech and Virginia on the road, and then handling Boston
College in a rematch on a neutral field to earn this trip. They bring more speed and
aggressiveness on defense than Todd Reesing faced in what was a soft Big 12 this
season, and if he is a half step late with the ball it can mean the kind of game-turning
mistakes that Tech has made a routine part of the game under Frank Beamer,
with this saosn no different ? the defense and special teams directly scored six
touchdowns. And with Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor both healthy, there is the
opportunity to throw entirely different looks at a Jayhawk defense that in reality
may be nothing special. VIRGINIA TECH 29-22.
ORANGE BOWL
(January 3 at Miami)
VIRGINIA TECH over KANSAS by 7
OK, it is way too easy of a reference to Dorothy looking wide-eyed and saying
?We?re not in Kansas anymore?, but that really is a proper way to start this one.
While Mark Mangino?s team was one of the truly great stories in college football
this season, the Jayhawks have had one of the easiest schedule rides ever for a team
to get to a BCS bowl. Now they have to do all of their prep for this game after suffering
their first loss of the season, which can create some confidence issues, and
the big-time spotlight is also thrown on a team that has precious little experience
in such settings. They have only been to two previous bowls in Mangino?s six seasons,
and in the only underdog appearance for rocked by 30 vs. N. C. State four
years ago. Now they are in against the real thing both in terms of talent and experience.
Virginia Tech was just a late rally by Matt Ryan and Boston College of having
gone 12-1, and the Hokies had to earn their way, facing the likes of LSU,
Clemson, Georgia Tech and Virginia on the road, and then handling Boston
College in a rematch on a neutral field to earn this trip. They bring more speed and
aggressiveness on defense than Todd Reesing faced in what was a soft Big 12 this
season, and if he is a half step late with the ball it can mean the kind of game-turning
mistakes that Tech has made a routine part of the game under Frank Beamer,
with this saosn no different ? the defense and special teams directly scored six
touchdowns. And with Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor both healthy, there is the
opportunity to throw entirely different looks at a Jayhawk defense that in reality
may be nothing special. VIRGINIA TECH 29-22.
POINTWISE
VIRGINIA TECH (11-2) vs KANSAS (11-1)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
8:00 PM EST -- FOX TELEVISION
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
Va Tech ....... 44.2 .. 29-15 .. 16-14 .. 134- 86 ... 199-207.. +13 . Va Tech
Kansas ....... 38.7 .. 44-16 .. 22-18 .. 197- 91 ... 294-227.. +19 . by 3.7 Pts
ANALYSIS
This could be a classic. For the 15th straight year, the Hokies of Virginia Tech
are going bowling. Under head coach Frank Beamer, they have been noted
for their stellar defenses, & superior special teams play. And this season has
been no exception, as Tech ranks 5th, 2nd, & 5th in rushing, total, & scoring
"D", while recording 43 sacks, & 21 interceptions (3rd & 5th best in the land,
respectively). In its ACC title win over Boston College, Tech blocked 2 kicks,
intercepted 2 passes, & held BC to 3.4 ypr. Offensively, it is another matter,
as the Hokies rank 99th in total "O" (81st in rushing, 85th in passing). Ore has
been their "go-to" back, toting the pig for >2,000 the past couple of years, but
for just 4.2 ypr. Glennon is the head chucker in Beamer's duo QB system, as
he & Taylor have a combined 2,552 yds, 16 TDs, & just 5 INTs. A check at the
above stats again show Tech with a huge edge in TOs. But perusing that
column also shows that their opponents here, the Jayhawks of Kansas, have
taken a back seat to no other team in the nation in that department, tying with
Florida Atlantic as the best in the land in that important stat: +19. At year's
end, the Jays ranked 13th in the nation in total defense, 7th vs the run, & 3rd
in scoring. But it has been that KU "O" (#2 in scoring), led by QB Reesing,
which made weekly headlines, eventually vaulting the Jays to the 2nd spot in
the nation, with 11-0 SU & 10-0 ATS records. They had a shot at the first-ever
team with an 11-0 ATS mark, but came up short in their match with potent
Missouri. However, they definitely deserve this spot. The underdog has gone
5-1 ATS in Hokie bowl games since '01, & this one makes it 6-of-7. Kansas!
PROPHECY: KANSAS 27 - Virginia Tech 20 RATING: 3
VIRGINIA TECH (11-2) vs KANSAS (11-1)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
8:00 PM EST -- FOX TELEVISION
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
Va Tech ....... 44.2 .. 29-15 .. 16-14 .. 134- 86 ... 199-207.. +13 . Va Tech
Kansas ....... 38.7 .. 44-16 .. 22-18 .. 197- 91 ... 294-227.. +19 . by 3.7 Pts
ANALYSIS
This could be a classic. For the 15th straight year, the Hokies of Virginia Tech
are going bowling. Under head coach Frank Beamer, they have been noted
for their stellar defenses, & superior special teams play. And this season has
been no exception, as Tech ranks 5th, 2nd, & 5th in rushing, total, & scoring
"D", while recording 43 sacks, & 21 interceptions (3rd & 5th best in the land,
respectively). In its ACC title win over Boston College, Tech blocked 2 kicks,
intercepted 2 passes, & held BC to 3.4 ypr. Offensively, it is another matter,
as the Hokies rank 99th in total "O" (81st in rushing, 85th in passing). Ore has
been their "go-to" back, toting the pig for >2,000 the past couple of years, but
for just 4.2 ypr. Glennon is the head chucker in Beamer's duo QB system, as
he & Taylor have a combined 2,552 yds, 16 TDs, & just 5 INTs. A check at the
above stats again show Tech with a huge edge in TOs. But perusing that
column also shows that their opponents here, the Jayhawks of Kansas, have
taken a back seat to no other team in the nation in that department, tying with
Florida Atlantic as the best in the land in that important stat: +19. At year's
end, the Jays ranked 13th in the nation in total defense, 7th vs the run, & 3rd
in scoring. But it has been that KU "O" (#2 in scoring), led by QB Reesing,
which made weekly headlines, eventually vaulting the Jays to the 2nd spot in
the nation, with 11-0 SU & 10-0 ATS records. They had a shot at the first-ever
team with an 11-0 ATS mark, but came up short in their match with potent
Missouri. However, they definitely deserve this spot. The underdog has gone
5-1 ATS in Hokie bowl games since '01, & this one makes it 6-of-7. Kansas!
PROPHECY: KANSAS 27 - Virginia Tech 20 RATING: 3
SPORTS MEMO
Virginia Tech -3 (-120) vs. Kansas O/U 54 Recommendation: Virginia Tech
What a season it has been for the Kansas Jayhawks. Predicted to finish
fifth or sixth in the Big 12 North by most, this team exceeded expectations
and was ranked No. 1 in the nation late in the season. A closer look
though potentially exposes this team as a fraudulent upper echelon
team. Buoyed by a ridiculously soft non-conference schedule, believers
did not come around until the Jayhawks defeated Kansas State, Colorado
and Texas A&M on the road in the month of October. Those three
wins would prove to be the Jayhawks? biggest accomplishment. Until
the season finale meeting for a division championship against Missouri,
Kansas had remained unbeaten and talks of a National Title were increasing.
Kansas played from behind as Missouri dominated the game,
limiting KU to fewer than 50 rushing yards while holding an overall yardage
advantage of 519-391. Looking back over the season we can see that
Kansas played one of the softest schedules in the country. They did not
have to face either Oklahoma or Texas and the non conference slate
consisted of four home games against weak competition. Virginia Tech
will be the toughest defense the Jayhawks have faced. The Hokies held
good opposition with solid running games like Clemson, Virginia and
Miami to fewer than 3.0 yards per carry. In half their games this season
the VT defense held the opposition to 2 or less yards per rush. This is
a huge advantage. While Kansas also had success defensively, it was
not nearly as dominant and the overall success was more a product of
the lack of quality competition. Virginia Tech was not only a defensive
stalwart this season as the offense improved each week. After early
season struggles and non-descript offensive play over the first quarter
of the season, the Hokies won seven of eight and were a fluky rain
soaked comeback away from playing for a National Title. They scored
30-plus points in six of those victories and 40-plus in four of the wins.
Quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor provided multiple looks
and styles making it extremely difficult for defenses to have success.
Combined the tandem threw/rushed for 23 touchdowns while throwing
just five interceptions. Glennon especially performed well down the
stretch, throwing just one interception over the last 10 games. Statistically
these numbers pale in comparison to Kansas quarterback Todd
Reesing who threw for 3,259 yards and 32 touchdowns. While Reesing
was quite impressive the bulk of those numbers came against inferior
competition. In their toughest games Kansas relied more heavily on the
running game and defense. On the road or in neutral site games against
solid defenses (Colorado, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Missouri) Kansas
averaged 24 points per game. In their other eight games they averaged
55 points per game. Part of the reason for the big numbers was
a huge +19 turnover margin. Virginia Tech is not likely to be victimized
by this offense because they do not turn the ball over and they too
dominate the turnover margin. This game is simple as Virginia Tech
has the better defense and offense and a significant edge in special
teams as well. With a short price and a better more battle tested team,
we?ll lay the number as Virginia Tech gets the win and spread cover
Virginia Tech -3 (-120) vs. Kansas O/U 54 Recommendation: Virginia Tech
What a season it has been for the Kansas Jayhawks. Predicted to finish
fifth or sixth in the Big 12 North by most, this team exceeded expectations
and was ranked No. 1 in the nation late in the season. A closer look
though potentially exposes this team as a fraudulent upper echelon
team. Buoyed by a ridiculously soft non-conference schedule, believers
did not come around until the Jayhawks defeated Kansas State, Colorado
and Texas A&M on the road in the month of October. Those three
wins would prove to be the Jayhawks? biggest accomplishment. Until
the season finale meeting for a division championship against Missouri,
Kansas had remained unbeaten and talks of a National Title were increasing.
Kansas played from behind as Missouri dominated the game,
limiting KU to fewer than 50 rushing yards while holding an overall yardage
advantage of 519-391. Looking back over the season we can see that
Kansas played one of the softest schedules in the country. They did not
have to face either Oklahoma or Texas and the non conference slate
consisted of four home games against weak competition. Virginia Tech
will be the toughest defense the Jayhawks have faced. The Hokies held
good opposition with solid running games like Clemson, Virginia and
Miami to fewer than 3.0 yards per carry. In half their games this season
the VT defense held the opposition to 2 or less yards per rush. This is
a huge advantage. While Kansas also had success defensively, it was
not nearly as dominant and the overall success was more a product of
the lack of quality competition. Virginia Tech was not only a defensive
stalwart this season as the offense improved each week. After early
season struggles and non-descript offensive play over the first quarter
of the season, the Hokies won seven of eight and were a fluky rain
soaked comeback away from playing for a National Title. They scored
30-plus points in six of those victories and 40-plus in four of the wins.
Quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor provided multiple looks
and styles making it extremely difficult for defenses to have success.
Combined the tandem threw/rushed for 23 touchdowns while throwing
just five interceptions. Glennon especially performed well down the
stretch, throwing just one interception over the last 10 games. Statistically
these numbers pale in comparison to Kansas quarterback Todd
Reesing who threw for 3,259 yards and 32 touchdowns. While Reesing
was quite impressive the bulk of those numbers came against inferior
competition. In their toughest games Kansas relied more heavily on the
running game and defense. On the road or in neutral site games against
solid defenses (Colorado, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Missouri) Kansas
averaged 24 points per game. In their other eight games they averaged
55 points per game. Part of the reason for the big numbers was
a huge +19 turnover margin. Virginia Tech is not likely to be victimized
by this offense because they do not turn the ball over and they too
dominate the turnover margin. This game is simple as Virginia Tech
has the better defense and offense and a significant edge in special
teams as well. With a short price and a better more battle tested team,
we?ll lay the number as Virginia Tech gets the win and spread cover
JOHN CAMPBELL FROM COVERS
FedEx Orange Bowl
Kansas vs. Virginia Tech (-3, 54)
Virginia Tech has learned how to master its two quarterback syst? hey, what the hell is Kansas doing here?
Pick: Virginia Tech -3
FedEx Orange Bowl
Kansas vs. Virginia Tech (-3, 54)
Virginia Tech has learned how to master its two quarterback syst? hey, what the hell is Kansas doing here?
Pick: Virginia Tech -3
VEGAS HOTSHEET
Thursday, January 3rd
ORANGE BOWL - 8:00pm ET FOX
477 Kansas 33
478 Virginia Tech 30
KANSAS +3?
FREE PICK: OVER 53
Thursday, January 3rd
ORANGE BOWL - 8:00pm ET FOX
477 Kansas 33
478 Virginia Tech 30
KANSAS +3?
FREE PICK: OVER 53
WILD BILL
Over 54 Kansas-Va Tech (1 unit) Jayhawks will come out gunning vs Tech who can score too
Over 54 Kansas-Va Tech (1 unit) Jayhawks will come out gunning vs Tech who can score too
EROCKMONEY
1/3 - Orange - Virginia Tech v. Kansas
I don't know what to think of this game. Kansas shouldn't be here, so they will probably pull the upset.
Pick: Kansas by 3
Status: No Play
1/3 - Orange - Virginia Tech v. Kansas
I don't know what to think of this game. Kansas shouldn't be here, so they will probably pull the upset.
Pick: Kansas by 3
Status: No Play
Just going to throw this out there, it is early and the line will go in 1 direction I am sure.
Marquette -11.5 vs Providence. Take Marquette today.
Providence is a very deceiving 9-3. Yes they beat Florida St, but that was at home and Florida St as usual is a very inconsistent team. Marquette on the other hand has convincingly beat all the cupcakes they are supposed to be beating, starting the season 10-1 and their only loss being on a neutral court against Duke by 4 points (and it was basically a home game for Duke.) Marquette went on the road and won at Wisconsin. Any of you educated college hoopsters out here know how tough that is to do. Wisconsin is like the best winningest home team under Bo Ryan. Providence lacks the quickness to match up with a team like Marquette. This game kind of reminds me of the Rhode Island game, except for 1 thing. Marquette is a similar team only MORE talented. This should be a 20+ point win. I suggest a 1st half and full game bet.
Good luck if you roll with it
Marquette -11.5 vs Providence. Take Marquette today.
Providence is a very deceiving 9-3. Yes they beat Florida St, but that was at home and Florida St as usual is a very inconsistent team. Marquette on the other hand has convincingly beat all the cupcakes they are supposed to be beating, starting the season 10-1 and their only loss being on a neutral court against Duke by 4 points (and it was basically a home game for Duke.) Marquette went on the road and won at Wisconsin. Any of you educated college hoopsters out here know how tough that is to do. Wisconsin is like the best winningest home team under Bo Ryan. Providence lacks the quickness to match up with a team like Marquette. This game kind of reminds me of the Rhode Island game, except for 1 thing. Marquette is a similar team only MORE talented. This should be a 20+ point win. I suggest a 1st half and full game bet.
Good luck if you roll with it
EZ Winners
5 STAR: (540) ARIZONA STATE (PICK) over Oregon
(Risking $550 to win $500)
3 STAR: (549) UCLA (-3) over Stanford
(Risking $330 to win $300)
2 STAR: (551) USC (+1) over California
(Risking $220 to win $200)
NBA
2 STAR: (503) SAN ANTONIO (+1.5) over Denver
(Risking $220 to win $200)
5 STAR: (540) ARIZONA STATE (PICK) over Oregon
(Risking $550 to win $500)
3 STAR: (549) UCLA (-3) over Stanford
(Risking $330 to win $300)
2 STAR: (551) USC (+1) over California
(Risking $220 to win $200)
NBA
2 STAR: (503) SAN ANTONIO (+1.5) over Denver
(Risking $220 to win $200)