Sugar Bowl 2012: Latest News, Notes and Analysis for Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

There hasn't been much surprising news leading up to the Sugar Bowl, which isn't a bad thing. The news that a few starters will miss the game has been about the only significant surprise surrounding the game.

Here's a look at who will miss the game, the impact it will have and other facts worth reporting.

Virginia Tech's Kicking Situation

Cody Journell has recently been arrested and won't play in the game.  He had only missed three kicks all year.

Tyler Weiss will also miss the game after being sent home from New Orleans by Frank Beamer for missing curfew.

Whether the punishment is too harsh or not can be debated, but at least Beamer practices discipline, unlike some coaches we know in the Big Ten.

This leaves Virginia Tech's kicking situation in disarray, as it would almost be a surprise to see them attempt any field goal of significant length.

The Absence of Nate Brink

Honestly, this won't affect Michigan at all.

We saw Brink get meaningful playing time early in the year, but it decreased more and more as the season went on.

He is a guy that likely wouldn't have seen the field anyway.

The Absence of Will Heininger

Unlike the loss of Nate Brink, I think losing Will Heininger for the game is a huge loss.

This is a kid that did not get any attention, but was actually a very solid player. He was out there for almost every snap and seemingly never received complaints from fans or coaches.

It's a shame that he has to miss his final game considering what he's been through during his time at Michigan.

Somebody like Will Campbell or Quinton Washington will have to step up for this game, but neither has so far in their respective careers.

NFL Draft Decisions

There are quite a few key juniors who will have decisions to make after this game.

Even though some may think otherwise, Denard Robinson is not going anywhere after this game. In fact, it looks like there isn't a single Michigan junior who will leave early.

However, Virginia Tech has some key players who might.

David Wilson is a guy that definitely could declare early, as he is an absolutely great running back.  It wouldn't be surprising to see him follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ryan Williams.

The other main guy is Jayron Hosley.  Even though he had somewhat of a down year, almost everybody thought he would be a shutdown corner in the NFL at one point.

His performance has altered that thought somewhat, but he is still projected as a reasonably high draft pick.

Motivation Factor

Just about everybody is saying Virginia Tech doesn't belong in the Sugar Bowl, and that they'll use that statement as motivation.

Some are saying that Michigan doesn't belong in it either.

Regardless of what people are saying about Michigan, they'll be motivated either way.  They're not going to come out flat and look non-interested.

Michigan isn't going to roll through Virginia Tech, though.

It will be extremely tough just to win.  Heck, it wouldn't be a surprise at all if Virginia Tech wins.

With that being said, I think Michigan wins...but just barely.  The game will come down to the final minutes.

Prediction: Michigan 31, Virginia Tech 28