Virginia Tech Football: Hokies hope for Military Bowl win over Cincinnati

Four years after their last meeting, Virginia Tech football and Cincinnati face one another yet again in the Military Bowl. Here is what to watch for from Annapolis.

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Four years ago, Virginia Tech took down Cincinnati 33-17 at the Military Bowl in Annapolis. Gunner Kiel outplayed Michael Brewer at quarterback, but the Hokies won thanks to a 157-yard rushing day from J.C. Coleman. Now they meet again for the first time since 2014, on the same field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium where Virginia Tech prevailed last time.

Cincinnati has already secured their first 10-win season since the Big East rebranded as the American Athletic Conference. The Bearcats lost only to Temple and to UCF, dominating the bulk of their opponents with one of the nation’s top 10 defenses. With Michael Warren II leading the way on the ground, the Bearcats also boast a top-20 rushing offense that takes a lot of pressure off quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Virginia Tech was in danger of missing out on the postseason altogether, as they reached Thanksgiving weekend with a 4-6 record. But they kept their bowl streak alive thanks to a rivalry win over Virginia and a takedown of Marshall in a make-up game for an opportunity lost to Hurricane Florence. The Hokies haven’t been too impressive offensively, but when they get into the red zone they are almost automatic.

When they last met, the Hokies were a mismatch for the Bearcats. Will that trend hold this time around in Annapolis? Here’s how you can watch the Military Bowl between Cincinnati and Virginia Tech:

Date: Monday, Dec. 31
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Annapolis, Md.
Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN | FuboTV

Keys to Victory

Cincinnati has faced issues punching in the ball once they get into the red zone. The Bearcats fail to put any points on the board on more than 20 percent of their trips inside the 20, and that won’t cut it against Virginia Tech. Luke Fickell‘s squad also needs to be more disciplined, as they rank in the bottom 25 nationally in penalties and penalty yards incurred each game. Cutting back on the flags will go a long way toward securing victory.

Virginia Tech needs its front seven to shut down Michael Warren to have a shot at victory. The Bearcats tailback is fifth in the country in rushing touchdowns, while Justin Fuente‘s team fields the 105th-ranked rushing defense in the FBS. To give their offense a shot at putting enough points on the scoreboard for victory, Virginia Tech cannot let Warren reach the endzone or go over 100 yards. They also need to shore up kick and punt coverage to keep from giving away field position.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of oddsshark.com

Point Spread: Cincinnati -5.5
Over/Under: 53.5

Prediction

Virginia Tech had an inspired end to the season as they pulled out the two wins they needed to get to the Military Bowl. But the Hokies lost four straight before that late run, and their offense is going to find it hard to crack through the Cincinnati defense. Look for Michael Warren to top 150 yards and score at least two touchdowns as the Bearcats pull away to give the AAC a statement win in Annapolis

Final Score: Cincinnati 31, Virginia Tech 20