Here’s what to watch for when the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday evening in the 2016 Belk Bowl.
The Virginia Tech Hokies will try to earn their first 10-win season since 2011 when they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday evening in the 2016 Belk Bowl.
First year head coach Justin Fuente did a terrific job leading the Hokies to a 9-4 mark in the regular season. Virginia Tech won the ACC Coastal by virtue of victories over North Carolina and Pittsburgh before playing Clemson close in a loss in the title game.
Bud Foster’s defense is playing at a high level once again, with brothers Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds leading the way. JUCO transfer quarterback Jerod Evans was also terrific with nearly 4,000 total yards and 37 touchdowns.
Arkansas will be a little disappointed with the lack of progress in the fourth year of the Brett Bielema era, as the Razorbacks turned in a 7-5 campaign. The Razorbacks have a good win over Florida on their resume and played hard against Alabama, but a loss to Missouri to close out the season hurts their overall profile.
Austin Allen did an admirable job taking over for his brother Brandon under center, throwing for 3,152 yards and 23 touchdowns. While Arkansas offensive line was not as good as in previous seasons, the rushing duo of Rawleigh Williams III and Devway Whaley was effective enough.
Given how Arkansas ended the season, it’s not surprising to see Virginia Tech enter the Belk Bowl as nearly a touchdown favorite.
Odds
Spread: Virginia Tech -6
Moneyline: Virginia Tech -280, Arkansas +240
O/U: 61
In order to keep it close on Thursday night, Arkansas’ defense is going to have to show a lot of improvement from the regular season. The Razorbacks gave up a woeful 6.8 yards per play to rank 124th in the nation, and struggled mightily against the run.
That’s going to be a problem against Evans, who emerged as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Evans could have a huge rushing day, which will only open up downfield passes to a trio of strong receivers in Isiah Ford, Cam Phillips and Bucky Hodges.
The Hokies defense allowed a solid 22.7 points per game and was balanced enough to defend both the run and pass effectively. Allen has generated some heroics by himself at times this season, but will need a lot of help from the running game and top receiver Keon Hatcher this season.
With dynamic playmakers like the Edmunds’ brothers, Woody Baron and Andrew Motuapuaka, the Hokies will present Arkansas’ offense with one of it greatest challenges of the season outside of Alabama. The Razorbacks best chance will be controlling the clock and forcing multiple turnovers out of a Virginia Tech offense that was fumble-prone at times this season.
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Even if the Razorbacks win the turnover battle, the Hokies have a huge advantage defensively and too many weapons on offense for Arkansas to keep up with.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 42, Arkansas 27