In the Coaches Poll controversy of the century, Bret Bielema did the unthinkable. He left the Hokies off of his final public ballot at regular season’s end. It probably wouldn’t have been too big of a deal, but then the teams got paired together in the Belk Bowl and now we have a story. All’s well that ends well, though, and Arkansas issued a statement saying it was just an error.
Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech, Belk Bowl 2016: Time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
This game started on ESPNEWS and WatchESPN during overtime at the Birmingham Bowl.
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
With the scandal behind us, it’s on to the actual football. Virginia Tech had some very strange games this season. Justin Fuente’s first season at the helm in Blacksburg was unquestionably a success. It was an interesting scheme marriage. Fuente, a proponent of high-octane offense, and longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who preaches gritty lunch pail defense. But with a 9-4 finish and an ACC Coastal title in a very crowded division, Virginia Tech rose above expectations. The Hokies never said die in the ACC title game against Clemson, either, and gave the Tigers all they could ask for. But their other three losses each came by double digits. When they were clicking things were great, but the real Virginia Tech team must please stand up in the bowl game.
The glaring deficiency is rushing defense for Arkansas, and it’s almost dead-last in S&P+ defensive efficiency, which is adjusted for opponent (115th). But the Hogs may luck out against a Virginia Tech team ranked No. 93 in rushing S&P+. If styles make fights, Arkansas may have gotten a good bout against a punchless rushing offense.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 5:30 ET, ESPN. The announcers are Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, and Jerry Punch.
Radio: Arkansas and Virginia Tech.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Spread: Virginia Tech opened as a 7-point favorite.
Make friends: SB Nation’s Arkansas Fight covers the Razorbacks, while Gobbler Country covers Virginia Tech.
Three big things to know
1. Front seven shakeup? Speaking of defensive issues, the focus is already on next season as far as Arkansas’ defense is concerned. There could be a scheme change in order for the Hogs, but it won’t probably be something you see them implement in the bowl game. With Arkansas’ ineptness on defense, change might be a good thing.
2. Shopping spree. As far as bowl gifts go, the Belk Bowl’s swag bag isn’t much to write home about unless you like shopping at Belk. For those that do, this is an absolute coup. For the thrifty shoppers, not only is there a shopping spree, but the trip features discount goodies for extra bang for the buck. Oh, and there’s a Fossil watch, too, if you’re into that sort of thing.
3. Jerod Evans is the key. For Virginia Tech’s offense, it goes as QB Jerod Evans goes. Evans not only pilots the passing game, but he’s the key to the rushing attack as well. Evans leads the team in all rushing categories. There isn’t a more important offensive player to what Virginia Tech has to do. While it’s true that that could be said about a lot of teams, Evans’ dual-threat ability can be very hard to stop when it’s clicking.
See More:
