The Michigan Wolverines travel to New Orleans to face Virginia Tech in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. Brady Hoke led Michigan to a BCS bowl game in his first season as head coach. The Wolverines went 6-2 in the Big Ten and 10-2 overall. Michigan heads into the Sugar Bowl as the #13 team in the country. Virginia Tech went 7-1 in the ACC this season and is 11-2 overall. Both of the Hokies losses came to Clemson, once during the regular season and again in the ACC title game. Virginia Tech is currently the #11 ranked team in college football.
When Virginia Tech is on Offense
Virginia Tech was 52nd in the nation in scoring at 28.5 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas threw for 2799 yards and 19 touchdowns and also ran for 416 yards and 10 touchdowns. Receivers Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin each had over 50 catches and 700 yards receiving this season. Running back David Wilson is 5th in the nation in rushing yards with 1627. Wilson averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry this year. The Hokies need to be successful running the football and not put their quarterback in obvious passing situations.
The Wolverine’s defense was outstanding this season allowing only 17.2 points per game, 7th best in the country. Michigan did a pretty good job of getting to the quarterback this season with 28 sacks, but they only managed 8 interceptions in their 12 games.
When Michigan is on Offense
Michigan averaged 34.2 points per game this season and were held under 20 points only two times this season. The Wolverines had two thousand-yard rushers this season in quarterback Denard Robinson (1163 yards) and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (1011 yards). Robinson is one of the most electrifying players in college football and is more successful running the football than throwing. He passed for 2056 yard this season, but his completion percentage was a bit low (56%) and his interceptions were a bit high (14). The Wolverines were 6-0 when Robinson had more rushing attempts than passing attempts, but they were only 4-2 when he had to pass it more than run.
The Virginia Tech defense was tied for 7th with Michigan only allowing 17.2 points per game this year. The Hokies like to rush the passer and were successful at it with 38 sacks this year. When they rush Denard Robinson they will need to make sure to not lose containment on the outside or Robinson will make them by turning a broken play into a big play.
2012 Sugar Bowl Pick Against the Spread
Oddsmakers currently have Michigan favored by 2.5 points over Virginia Tech. Both teams have outstanding coaches that will have their teams ready to play. I like Virginia Tech to go into New Orleans and beat Michigan. I think the Hokies will load up the box against the run and force Denard Robinson to throw the ball. If Virginia Tech can get Michigan into passing situations it really favors their defense. Virginia Tech needs their quarterback, Logan Thomas, to do a good job of managing the game and limiting mistakes. I will take Virginia Tech with the 2.5 points
2012 Sugar Bowl Prediction
Virginia Tech – 24
Michigan – 21
Source
espn.go.com/college-football/bowls