Independence Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Tulsa TV info, live stream, odds, prediction and more
Complete game preview, including TV info, live stream, betting odds and a prediction for the Independence Bowl between Virginia Tech and Tulsa.
Frank Beamer announced he’s retiring at the end of the season and the season for the Virginia Tech Hokies almost ended in November before they got bowl-eligible with a win in the Commonwealth Cup against in-state rival Virginia to clinch their 23rd straight bowl berth.
Beamer will give way to former Memphis Tigers coach Justin Fuente after the Independence Bowl, but first he’ll look to knock off a 6-6 Tulsa squad that features one of the best passing offenses in the nation. But Bud Foster’s defense may have the personnel, even without Kendall Fuller, to send Beamer out on top.
Golden Hurricane quarterback Dane Evans leads the nation’s No. 11 passing offense against the stout Hokies defense that has a few players who will be playing on Sunday’s in the NFL very soon, including Luther Maddy, Ken Ekanem and edge rusher Dadi Lhomme Nicolas along the defensive line.
Evans and his offensive line will have a challenge to give him time to find stud receiver Keyarris Garrett who had 88 catches for 1,451 yards and seven touchdowns this year.
- Date: Saturday, December 26, 2015
- Time: 4:45 PM ET
- Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
- Spread: VT -14
Prediction
Virginia Tech is a heavy favorite in this game and will have the emotional factor on their side as Beamer will pull out every last trick from his repertoire before retiring so keep your eyes peeled for some fake punts, kicks and some special, special teams play.
Tulsa is playing their first bowl game under first-year head coach Phil Montgomery who will do good things with the program in time, but it’s not going to start in the Independence Bowl.
I like the Hokies to prevail behind the arm of Michael Brewer, who needs to limit the interceptions after throwing six in the last six games, and wide receiver Isaiah Ford who has 14 receptions for 276 yards in his last two games and has scored a touchdown in three straight.
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The best weapon against Tulsa will be freshman running back Travon McMillian who is averaging 105 yards on the ground since taking over the starting job midseason and has six total touchdowns in the last seven games.