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Independence Bowl 2015, Tulsa vs Virginia Tech preview, predictions, odds, live stream info

By Cody Williams

Nov 28, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Frank Beamer (M) talks with Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) and Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer (12) during warmups prior to the Hokies game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Frank Beamer (M) talks with Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) and Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer (12) during warmups prior to the Hokies game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

Frank Beamer will coach his final game for the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday afternoon after a historic 29-year run that put the program on the map. The legendary coach’s career will come to an end as he leads his team into battle against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the 2015 Camping World Independence Bowl.

Michael Brewer and Isaiah Ford have been the heart of the Hokies offense to this point of the season, but it will be the Virginia Tech defense and Travon McMillian who could play the biggest role in getting a win in this bowl game. Dane Evans and Keyarris Garrett, one of the most lethal offensive combinations in college football for Tulsa, will have something to say about that, though.

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, Dec. 26
Start Time: 5:45 p.m. ET
Location: Shreveport, LA
Stadium: Independence Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here

Keys to Victory

There’s no denying that the Hokies offense has been best when they are moving the ball well through the air, but the key in this game for Beamer and Virginia Tech will be getting Travon McMillian going on the ground in the Independence Bowl. The Golden Hurricane have been one of the worst rushing defenses in all of college football this season and, if McMillian can get going, it could very well prove to be the advantage that the Hokies need.

The Golden Hurricane will have to find ways to move the ball through the air with Dane Evans if they want to get a victory in the Independence Bowl. Tulsa has undoubtedly relied extremely heavily on their passing game this season, but the Hokies have been extremely deft in stopping the pass this season. If the Golden Hurricane are going to have success, they must scheme a way for Evans to have success throwing the football.

Betting odds

Point Spread: Virginia Tech -13.5
Moneyline: Virginia Tech -535, Tulsa +440
O/U: 61.5

Prediction

This one has a major chance to be a much more tightly contested affair than the line would indicate as neither team should really be a runaway favorite. That being said, I don’t see a way that the Hokies lose in Beamer’s last game. The coach will have some tricks up his sleeve and, ultimately, will lead Virginia Tech to one last victory in the Independence Bowl.

Final Score: Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 28, Virginia Tech Hokies: 34

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