Kansas 11-1 (7-1), 1st Big 12 - North Division
vs
Virginia Tech 11-2 (7-1), 1st Atlantic Coast - Coastal

January 3, 8pm, FOX

Predicting Hawaii making a BCS game was not that much of a stretch when you consider the talent they had coming back and the schedule, but if you were to have predicted Kansas to be playing in a BCS game, I’d have to call you a genius. Kansas’ only loss this season was their season finale against, Missouri, and since the Jayhawks have been dogged because their schedule was ranked 109th out of 119th in the country, they feel they have a lot to prove against Virgina Tech. The Hokies started out the year a little rough, winning their first game but getting killed by LSU. That loss stuck with them, but they worked their way back up the rankings and lost a heart breaker to Boston College at home. Tech got revenge in the ACC Title game against Boston College, and that is why they are playing in this game. For more on this game check out the three part series over at Kansas It’s Business Time.

The Jayhawks have the 2nd ranked scoring offense in the country (4th in total offense), scoring 44 points per game, and a main reason for that is their quarterback Todd Reesing. Reesing leads the 14th ranked passing offense by throwing for 3259 yards with 32 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. As a whole, the Jayhawks don’t turn the ball over, boasting the number 1 ranked turnover margin. Brandon McAnderson and Jake Sharp have combined to rush for 1800 yards and 25 touchdowns, but if you watched the Missouri game, you will realize that this offense feeds off of Reesing. His two main receivers are Marcus Henry and Dexton Fields as the two combined to catch 15 touchdowns passes. On defense the Jayhawks are also tough ranking 6th in rushing defense, 14th in total defense, and 4th in scoring defense giving up only 16 points per game.

The Hokies have gone through a bit of a transformation on offense. Sean Glennon has matured throughout the year and has come a long way. He was injured half way through the season which allowed for Freshman Tyrod Taylor to get some reps. Coach Beamer has done a good job keeping both happy, using mainly Glennon, but Taylor will come in for a change of pace and to use his feet to create plays. The two have combined for 2600 yards and 16 touchdowns. Also coming along is their running back Branden Ore. A lot of people in Blacksburg were excited for Ore, but he productivity has not lived up to expectations. Although in his last few games he has regained some of his old flash and power. But enough with the offense, we all know the Hokies are built around defense and a strong special teams unit. The defense is once again one of the best in the country ranking 5th in rushing defense, 28th against the pass, 5th in total defense, and 2nd in scoring defense, allowing a little over 15 points per game. They are hoping that their linebacker Vince Hall, who is a game time decision, will play.

These two teams are very similar on the defensive side of the ball, but I don’t think Kansas has seen a team this season with the size speed combination that Virginia Tech will throw at them tonight. Kansas struggled offensively when they played against Missouri and I think they will encounter much more pressure from the Hokies. The Hokies offense is no juggernaut themselves, so they must protect the ball because Kansas is very good at causing turnovers. Unlike last night, I think this game is going to be a low scoring affair. I give the Hokies the edge on special teams and when their defense is going up against Kansas’ offense. So with that I am taking the Hokies. Virginia Tech 24 Kansas 14

Picking Kansas to Win (22%)
Kansas It’s Business Time, Pitch Right, Rizzo Sports, MizzouRAH, The Enlightened Spartan, Mrs Corn Nation, Jason Stiver

Picking Virginia Tech to Win (78%)
ITB Brian Sakowski, Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, Sportsbone TV, MidWest Coast Bias, Bastard Sons of Pinfall Marks, ITB Ron Juckett, ITB Charlie Swager, Football Frontier, The LSC Scoop, Corn Nation, Richard Dixon, Brian Isaacson, Logan Jaffe, Brant Chruscial, Matt Kieta, Dan Schoonover, Lou Nemec, Timmy B, Greg Gowins, Sunny Verma, Lorena The Dodgerchick, Pete Boivin, Cyril Tircuit, Rodney Polston, Jeff Brancolini