For the first time in college football history, the Arkansas Razorbacks and no. 22 Virginia Tech Hokies play against each other. The 2016 Belk Bowl looks like one of the most interesting matchups of all of the bowl games, not in the College Football Playoff or New Year’s Six. According to ESPN Pick Center, the Hokies are favored by seven points and the over/under sits at 61 points. Furthermore, ESPN gives the Hokies a 66.7 percent chance to win the game. Both teams are likely motivated for this game with each team coming off a tough loss in their last matchups. The Hokies lost the ACC Championship Game to the Clemson Tigers. And the Razorbacks lost in their final game against the Missouri Tigers. Now, let’s take a look at the 2016 Belk Bowl preview between Arkansas and Virginia Tech.
2016 Belk Bowl Preview: Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
When: Dec. 29, 2016, 5:30 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN
Arkansas 7-5 (3-5 SEC) Keys to Victory
Uncharacteristically for an Arkansas Razorback team, they thrive mainly off their quarterback instead of their running game. Quarterback Austin Allen had an up and down season. He played well for most of the season throwing for 3,152 yards and 23 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Allen threw two interceptions in the Razorbacks’ loss to Mizzou. Moreover, the Razorbacks only won one game this season when Allen threw more than once interception. Taking care of the football and having an overall efficient game provides the biggest x-factor for Arkansas.
Even with the Razorbacks relying on the passing game more than usual this season, a balanced rushing attack presents a major key. Running backs Rawleigh Williams III and Devwah Whaley combined for close to 2,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Moreover, they both average 5.7 yards per carry. Williams and Whaley give the Razorbacks the ability to make life tough for opposing defenses. Considering Virginia Tech’s strong rushing attack, the Razorbacks’ ability to control the clock is much needed for a victory.
The Razorbacks’ tough loss to Mizzou displayed the inconsistent nature of this Bret Bielema-coached team. Arkansas defeated three top 25 teams (at the time of the games) this season. They also lost to the Auburn Tigers by 53 points. It really depends on what Arkansas team shows up. Will it be the Razorbacks squad that defeated the Florida Gators 31-10, or the team that got blasted by Auburn and lost to a sorry Mizzou team.
Virginia Tech 9-4 (6-2 ACC) Keys to Victory
In head coach Justin Fuente’s first season at the helm, the Hokies improved a lot. Quarterback Jerod Evans had a tremendous season with 3,309 passing yards and 27 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He added 759 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Evans was the Hokies’ leading rusher during the regular season. The offense comes and goes as Evans’ play fluctuates. He will need a big performance to overcome the Arkansas defense.
Wide receiver Isaiah Ford is the best receiver on the Hokies roster. He caught 73 passes for 1,038 yards and seven touchdowns. Cam Phillips also plays a big role in the Hokies’ success. He caught 70 passes for 868 yards and five touchdowns. While Evans is the biggest x-factor to the success for VA Tech, he needs a supporting cast helping him out. VA Tech’s leading rusher at running back is Travon McMillan with 637 yards and six touchdowns.
The final key to victory for VA Tech translates to winning the turnover battle. They have turned the ball over more than they have drawn turnovers themselves. Arkansas is a team that can control the clock with a strong rushing attack. VA Tech can level the playing field while stealing a few possessions away. Sophomore Terrell Edmunds and junior Andrew Motuapuaka lead the Hokies defense in interceptions, both tied at three. Edmunds and Motuapuaka are players to watch against the Razorbacks offense.
Prediction
Arkansas 38, Virginia Tech 35
