Military Bowl 2014: Preview, Predictions for Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati

Virginia Tech (6-6) needed a 24-20 win over in-state rival Virginia in the last week of the regular season to earn a bowl trip this season, and the Hokies will face off against Cincinnati (9-3), co-champions of the American Athletic Conference in the 2014 Military Bowl.

Here's what you need to know:

Date: Saturday, December 27, 2014

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Place: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland

TV: ESPN

Line: Cincinnati -3.5 according to OddsShark.com.

Tale of the Tape

Virginia Tech just hasn't been its usual self this season on offense. While Cincinnati hasn't exactly played opponents that rise to the level of the Hokies' schedule, the Bearcats have put together one of the nation's most electric offensive attacks.

Virginia Tech Keys to Victory

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Defense Wins Championships (and Bowl Games)

Virginia Tech has had one of the better defenses in the ACC this season, especially when it comes to keeping points off of the scoreboard. The 20.4 points per game allowed by the Hokies ranks second in the conference, and is in the top 20 in the FBS. While the Hokies didn't quite have the offensive muscle to win more than six games this season, the Virginia Tech defense should be more than capable of giving the offense an opportunity to win.

Take Care of the Football

It might sound like a cliche, but ball security isn't normally a problem for a Frank Beamer-coached team. Virginia Tech currently sports a minus-six turnover ratio, which is surprising all by itself. A return to "Beamerball" couldn't come at a better time: It could save the Hokies from their first losing record since 1992 when Virginia Tech was 2-8-1.

Cincinnati Keys to Victory

TOM UHLMAN/Associated Press

Keep it Simple

Cincinnati has scored 55 touchdowns this season, second most among AAC teams. The Bearcats also sport the No. 2 passing and No. 4 rushing offenses in the conference, giving Cincinnati a solid balance on offense. If the Bearcats can keep the opposing defense from keying in on any one aspect, the they might just secure their 10th victory of the season.

Takeaways

Cincinnati has been one of the best fumble-forcing teams all season. The Bearcats have come away with 15 fumbles this season, while committing just six themselves. Overall, Cincy has a plus-four turnover margin, and those takeaways can make a huge difference in games against teams from the Power Five conferences.

Virginia Tech Players to Watch

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Michael Brewer

As goes Michael Brewer, so go the Hokies. Brewer is fourth in the ACC this season with 216.5 passing yards per game, and he's fifth with 17 touchdown throws. But his 14 interceptions this season (two of which were returned for touchdowns) have been a bit of a problem.

Kyshoen Jarrett

Beamer loves the "rover" on defense, and Kyshoen Jarrett has been a playmaker this season—at times. Jarrett has three interceptions, five pass breakups and a forced fumble this season, along with 86 tackles—three of which were for loss. He leads the team in a host of defensive categories, but he'll need to take his game up a notch in his last hurrah for the Hokies to slow down a very prolific Cincinnati passing game.

Cincinnati Players to Watch

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

Gunner Kiel

Perfectly named for a quarter, Gunner Kiel has been one of the more prolific quarterbacks in the nation this season. With 250.8 passing yards per game, Kiel finished third in the AAC this season in passing yards, and his 30 touchdown throws topped the conference. He also threw just 11 interceptions—second lowest in the conference among quarterbacks with at least 20 touchdowns.

Jeff Luc

This senior linebacker has already forced five fumbles this season, leading the AAC and tied for second in the FBS. Add in 8.5 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks, four pass breakups and a team-high 120 tackles (third in the AAC) and you know the opposing quarterback and offensive line will keep their eyes on Jeff Luc. You should, too.

Mekale McKay

Along with Shaq Washington, Mekale McKay is one of Kiel's favorite targets. He leads all Bearcat receivers with eight touchdown receptions this season and leads the team with 690 yards. He also averages a whopping 16.4 yards per reception, so don't be surprised to see this big-play receiver targeted often.

What They’re Saying

Steve Helber/Associated Press

"

Second bowl matchup between Frank Beamer, Tommy Tuberville. Auburn defeated #Hokies in 2004 Sugar.

— David Teel (@DavidTeelatDP) December 7, 2014"

Beamer and Tommy Tuberville will meet up in a bowl game for the second time, and although Tuberville didn't get his "warm" destination he had hoped for, his Bearcats will certainly have an excellent shot to get a win over a Power Five conference opponent.

Coach Beamer will also be on the sideline for this bowl game after undergoing a minor procedure on his throat. That has to be a huge relief for Virginia Tech players and fans.

Prediction

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Virginia Tech stumbled often throughout the season and was just never able to develop any forward momentum. Sure, a win on the road at Ohio State looks really nice, but losses to Pitt and Wake Forest are equally as ugly.

Cincy, on the other hand, found ways to win on the strength of a point-hungry passing attack. The Bearcats also managed to capture a share of the conference championship in the very competitive AAC.

We're just not convinced Virginia Tech has the defensive weapons necessary to slow down Kiel or the offensive weapons to keep up with him for four quarters.

Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Virginia Tech 24