Texas Techvs
Virginia
1 p.m. Jacksonville, Fla. CBS
The thing that will have people tuning in to this one will be to see the pass happy offense of Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are 2nd in the nation in offense and first in passing and should be able to move the ball all over Virginia. Texas Tech averages more than 200 yards of offense more per game than Virginia and score nearly 18 more points a game. Virginia has made a living in winning close games this season, while Texas Tech will want to get into a shootout.
Virginia played in 7 games that were decided by 5 points or fewer. If a few of their breaks go another way this team is staying home this postseason. Instead almost every break went the way of the Cavaliers. This team did put up plenty of points in wins against Miami and Pitt, so don't just write them off as lucky just yet.
The Gator Bowl is generally the worst of the New Years Day games. Only three times in the previous 20 games has this one been decided by less than a touchdown. Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell threw for 5,298 yards and 45 touchdowns this season with only 14 INTs. Look for him to get his yards, which he does even when TT loses. He'll throw early and often, especially to freshman phenom WR Michael Crabtree. Crabtree shattered all kinds of receiving records with 125 catches for 1,861 yards and 21 touchdowns. Virginia won't have anyone to matchup with Crabtree, but few teams do. Their only hope is to slow down Harrell by getting pressure with DE Chris Long, control the clock with sophomore RB Mikell Simpson, and hope QB Jameel Sewell plays mistake free football. They do not have the weapons to stay in a shootout so it will take a stellar effort and some points on defense or special teams. I just don't see it happening. Red Raiders big.
Line: Texas Tech -5.5, Total 59.0
Virginia played in 7 games that were decided by 5 points or fewer. If a few of their breaks go another way this team is staying home this postseason. Instead almost every break went the way of the Cavaliers. This team did put up plenty of points in wins against Miami and Pitt, so don't just write them off as lucky just yet.
The Gator Bowl is generally the worst of the New Years Day games. Only three times in the previous 20 games has this one been decided by less than a touchdown. Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell threw for 5,298 yards and 45 touchdowns this season with only 14 INTs. Look for him to get his yards, which he does even when TT loses. He'll throw early and often, especially to freshman phenom WR Michael Crabtree. Crabtree shattered all kinds of receiving records with 125 catches for 1,861 yards and 21 touchdowns. Virginia won't have anyone to matchup with Crabtree, but few teams do. Their only hope is to slow down Harrell by getting pressure with DE Chris Long, control the clock with sophomore RB Mikell Simpson, and hope QB Jameel Sewell plays mistake free football. They do not have the weapons to stay in a shootout so it will take a stellar effort and some points on defense or special teams. I just don't see it happening. Red Raiders big.
Line: Texas Tech -5.5, Total 59.0
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