Sugar Bowl 2012: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line for Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

The Michigan Wolverines and Virginia Tech Hokies are set to battle for the right to be called 2012 Sugar Bowl champions. 

This should be a close and hard-fought game, as neither team has a decisive edge in the matchups. Michigan enters with a 10-2 record and Virginia Tech at 11-2. 

The Hokies were undefeated this season against every team not named Clemson. Will Michigan change that? 

Where: Louisiana Superdome; New Orleans

When: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN

Live Streaming: ESPN 3

Listen: Full list of Michigan radio networks; full list of Virginia Tech radio networks

Betting Line: Michigan -3, according to Bovada

Key Storyline: Can these teams justify their lofty bowl selection?

When criticisms of the BCS bowl selections began as soon as the announcements arrived, many of them involved the title game.

Almost all of them involved this game. 

Both Michigan and Virginia Tech were chosen over teams like Boise State that were ranked ahead of them. If anyone does not want that criticism to be ratcheted up a notch, then these two are going to have to play a well-played and exciting game. 

Who Might Not Play for Michigan:

(Injury report via USA Today)

LB Brennen Beyer and OL Ricky Barnum are questionable; DE Will Heininger is doubtful.

Who Might Not Play for Virginia Tech:

(Injury report via USA Today)

Virginia Tech has no listed injuries that leave a player's status for the game in the air. 

What It Means for Michigan:

This is a chance for Michigan to cap a great ending to what was a surprising season. In his first season as the Wolverines' head man, coach Brady Hoke has outperformed expectations. 

This is the chance for this team to put the ultimate stamp on a season that is showing everyone that this program is back. 

What It Means for Virginia Tech:

For the Hokies, this is a chance for them to show they are not grossly overrated. They have not beaten a team that is currently ranked all season, yet they are ranked No. 11.

It is time to prove if Virginia Tech is a fraud or for real. 

What They're Saying

Nakia Hogan of the Times-Picayune highlights the process of Hoke becoming Michigan's coach, his impact on the program and Hoke's thoughts on the program:

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"After an extensive search, Michigan hired San Diego State’s Brady Hoke, giving the Wolverines the veteran coach they needed to return to prominence in the Big Ten.

Although Hoke wasn't the sexiest of names, he has proven to be a near perfect match and has led the Wolverines (10-2) to a No. 13 ranking and their first BCS bowl berth since the 2007 Rose Bowl.

Michigan plays No. 17 Virginia Tech in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Hoke deflects much of the credit, however. Instead, he points to the players adapting quickly to his system and believing in themselves.

'It's all about those kids, those 115 kids,' Hoke said. 'That’s the only thing we think about.

'The players bought into each other. And I think they bought into those seniors because of the examples that those guys showed and made during the course of January and February and spring ball and the summer. The other thing is they bought into Michigan and what Michigan is and what the expectations are for football at Michigan and going to class at Michigan.'"

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Key Player to Watch for Michigan: QB Denard Robinson

Robinson is an explosive QB who is a blast to watch. His passing needs some refinement, but he can make all the throws.

And he is always a threat to tuck the ball away and take it to the house. 

Key Player to Watch for Virginia Tech: RB David Wilson

Wilson is the heart of the Hokies' offense. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and gained 1,627 yards. 

Wilson is a hard and quick runner, and he gets the ball often. 

Key Matchup: Denard Robinson vs. Virginia Tech's Front Seven

Michigan likes to move the ball on the ground—they are 12th in rushing yards and 90th in passing yards. This sets up for a great matchup, as the Hokies gave up only 3.3 yards per rush this season.  

However, the best way to beat a good rushing defense is with a QB who can get outside the pocket and run the ball. The Hokies will have to limit Robinson if they want to stifle the Wolverines' rushing attack. 

Prediction: Michigan 20, Virginia Tech 17

This game is going to be a defensive battle.

In the end, the Wovlerines' athleticism, namely Robinson, will be the difference.