Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kansas

Analysis
Bowl season always brings interesting pairings and the Virginia Tech-Kansas one is an interesting offense versus defense match-up. The Jayhawks were one of the year’s biggest surprises and fell just short of reaching the Big 12 Championship, while the Hokies claimed the ACC title with a revenge victory over Boston College.

The Hokie defense held nine opponents to less than 20 points on the season – but they have their work cut out for them in this game. Led by cornerback Brandon Flowers, the Hokies allowed only nine passing touchdowns in 2007, but Jayhawks quarterback Todd Reesing was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. Look for Reesing and his plethora of talented receivers to spread out the Hokie defense with several four receiver sets, but the rushing attack will also play a key role in this game. Running backs Brandon McAnderson and Jake Sharp combined for 23 touchdowns and nearly 1,900 yards on the ground and the Hokies can’t get too focused on stopping Reesing with two quality backs on the depth chart.

With a powerful offense on the Jayhawk sideline, the Hokies want to play ball control offense and running back Branden Ore will be in charge of moving the chains. Ore is having an overall disappointing season, but he’ll see 20-30 carries in this game. The two quarterback system has worked out well for the Hokie offense, as Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor have split time and both players bring a different aspect to the field. Glennon is the better passer, while Taylor’s running ability could make him the x-factor in this game. When the Hokies have the ball, watch for the Jayhawks to crowd the line of scrimmage and force the passing game to win this game.

If head coach Mark Mangino can lead the Jayhawks to an Orange Bowl title, this would be a huge win for a school that is usually known for their basketball prowess. The Hokies have the better defense, but if the Jayhawks can get ahead – the Hokie offense may not have enough firepower to stage a rally.

Breakdown: Virginia Tech
Campus Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Distance to Miami: 908 miles
All-Time Bowl Game Record: 7–13
2007 Season: 11–2, 7–1 ACC

NCAA Rankings (yards/points per game totals):
Rush Offense: 81 (134)
Pass Offense: 86 (199)
Scoring Offense: 51 (29)
Rush Defense: 5 (86)
Pass Defense: 27 (207)
Scoring Defense: 2 (16)
Turnover Margin: 9 (1.00)

Additional Notes:
For the ninth time in 13 seasons, Virginia Tech has won at least 10 games … Cornerback Brandon Flowers and linebacker Xavier Adibi were named to the AFCA Coaches’ 2007 All-American Team … Quarterback Tyrod Taylor became the first true freshman quarterback to start at Virginia Tech since 1982 … Running back Branden Ore needs 124 yards to reach 1,000 on the season … In games played in Florida, the Hokies own a 14-28 record all time.

Breakdown: Kansas
Campus Location: Lawrence, Kan.
Distance to Miami: 1,503 miles
All-Time Bowl Game Record: 4–6
2007 Season: 11–1, 7–1 Big 12

NCAA Rankings (yards/points per game totals):
Rush Offense: 27 (197)
Pass Offense: 14 (295)
Scoring Offense: 2 (44)
Rush Defense: 7 (91)
Pass Defense: 58 (227)
Scoring Defense: 5 (16)
Turnover Margin: 1 (1.58)

Additional Notes:
The 2008 Orange Bowl will be the first time Kansas has played in the BCS – the third overall trip to the Orange Bowl … The Jayhawks tied for the Big 12 North title, which was the highest finish for Kansas in Big 12 history … Quarterback Todd Reesing ended up with only six interceptions on the season and went through a stretch of six games without throwing one to the other team … Reesing just needs one touchdown pass to own the KU all-time career touchdown pass record.

Prediction: Virginia Tech by 3