Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati Preview

The Virginia Tech Hokies, ranked 16th nationally on defense, face the 11-2 Cincinnati Bearcats at Dolphin Stadium in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day. Cincy won 10 of 11 to end the year, while the Hokies rebounded from a tough mid-season stretch to win their final three games. Oddsmakers currently have the Bearcats listed as 2-point favorites versus the Hokies, while the game's total is sitting at 42. Virginia Tech rushed for three touchdowns and ran away from Boston College to win 30-12 in Week 15. The Hokies covered the 1-point spread, while the combined score played OVER the posted total of 39. Marshwan Gilyard had a late TD reception in Week 15 as Cincinnati pulled out a 29-24 win over Hawaii. The Bearcats weren't able to cover the 7.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (48.5). Team records: Virginia Tech: 9-4 SU, 5-7 ATS Cincinnati: 10-2 SU, 6-5 ATS Virginia Tech most recently: When playing in January are 2-5 When playing on grass are 8-2 After being outgained are 8-2 When an underdog on the road are 5-5 Cincinnati most recently: When playing in January are 1-0 When playing on grass are 3-7 After outgaining opponent are 8-2 When favored at home are 9-1 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games