Military Bowl 2014: Odds, Schedule, Prediction for Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

Expect to see a big clash of styles when the Cincinnati Bearcats face off against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2014 Military Bowl.

Cincinnati enters the contest with a 9-3 record and riding a seven-game winning streak. The Bearcats struggled at times on the defensive side of the ball throughout the season, but their offense carried them through, scoring at least 34 points in six of their last seven games.

Virginia Tech hasn't been able to get much going on the offensive side of the ball this season, but it has been very sound defensively, allowing an average of just 20.4 points per game. While the Hokies just barely made the postseason at 6-6, their crowning achievement in the regular season came in the form of a 35-21 victory over Ohio State.

Will Virginia Tech's defense continue to step up, or will Cincinnati's offense rise to the occasion? Before we receive the answer to that question, here's a look at the game's viewing information, updated odds and final prediction.

Viewing Information

When: Saturday, December 27

Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Betting Info (via Odds Shark):

• Over/Under: 51
• Spread: Cincinnati -2.5

Preview and Prediction

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Quarterback Gunner Kiel has been the driving force for the Cincinnati offense this season. He's completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this year, leading the Bearcats to the nation's 12th-ranked passing attack.

Kiel is surrounded by a deep receiving corps, as Mekale McKay, Shaq Washington and Max Morrison have all accumulated more than 40 receptions this season. The reliable Washington leads the group in catches with 61, while McKay has been more of a big-play threat, leading the team with 690 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Cincinnati's passing attack is very potent, but it will be severely challenged on Saturday. The Hokies own the nation's 15th-ranked pass defense, allowing an average of just 186.8 yards per game through the air. One big reason for the team's success against the pass has been a phenomenal pass rush that has accumulated 46 sacks this year, ranking second in the nation.

Although, Cincinnati's offensive line has been very good in pass protection this season, allowing just 16 sacks, so expect a big battle in the trenches in the Military Bowl.

If Virginia Tech is going to generate offense, it must be through the air. The Hokies haven't been able to get anything going on the ground this season, and their best hope remains on the arm of quarterback Michael Brewer.

The junior signal-caller completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 2,598 yards and 17 touchdowns this year; however, he's also tossed 14 interceptions. Although, 10 of those picks were thrown over his first five games, and he showed better ball security over the second half of the season.

Cincinnati has been dreadful against the pass this year, ranking 109th in the nation and allowing 266.3 yards per game, as well as 21 passing touchdowns in just 12 contests. They're coming off a 38-31 victory over Houston after allowing 360 passing yards to Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr.

While the Bearcats have been prolific at times on offense this season, going up against a Virginia Tech defense that ranks 16th in yards allowed and 18th in points against won't lead to many points. Meanwhile, Brewer and Co. have the ability to completely take advantage of Cincinnati's porous secondary, gain an early lead and maintain it with solid defensive play.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Cincinnati 24

All team statistics and rankings courtesy of NCAA.com and current as of December 26.