Sugar Bowl: Why Michigan's O Is No Match for Hokies' D

Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines face the Virginia Tech Hokies in what should be a scintillating matchup in the Nokia Sugar Bowl. Virginia Tech will look to limit Robinson's influence on the game and represent the ACC in the BCS with a win.

Michigan's high-octane offense led by "Shoelaces" Robinson will face a different type of opponent on January 3rd. Virginia Tech has a ton of speed on the other side of the ball to match Michigan's offense and will be looking to vindicate their poor performance in the ACC Championship game.

Virginia Tech's offense will also play a key role in assisting their defense in New Orleans.  

Turnovers

One of the big keys to any football game is the turnover ratio. Virginia Tech players will be looking to strip, punch and jar the ball loose from Denard Robinson any chance they get.

Over the course of 13 games in 2011, the Hokie's defense has averaged just under two turnovers a game, with 1.7. Virginia Tech has averaged 1.2 interceptions per game in 2011 and will be waiting for Robinson to make an inerrant decision.

The more opportunities afforded to the Tech offense, the quicker this game could get away from the Michigan Wolverines. Tech learned their lesson against the Clemson Tigers when it came to turnovers.

Tajh Boyd and the Clemson offense tore Virginia Tech apart thanks to a clean sheet in the turnover category. The ACC Championship game was a dress rehearsal for the Hokie's defense and they now know what they must do to stop an even more elusive quarterback in Robinson.

Logan Thomas and David Wilson

Logan Thomas and David Wilson play a huge role in helping the Virginia Tech Hokies' defense stop the Michigan Wolverines' offense. Thomas must lead his offense down the field and score early.

Driving down the field on their first couple possessions, the Hokies must set a tone in the game and put the Wolverines in a hole early. Establishing a lead does wonders for the play of a defense on such a grand.

Forcing the Michigan offense to dig themselves out of a hole early will allow the Hokies to pin their ears back. Tech's defense will be able to funnel Denard Robinson into a one-dimensional attack, which is still dangerous but better than the full load.

Virginia Tech must establish an early lead. If Michigan races out early, it could be a long night for the folks in Blacksburg.

Time of Possession

The biggest key to the Virginia Tech defense dominating the Michigan offense lies with David Wilson. The Hokies' biggest advantage going into the Nokia Sugar Bowl is their ability to keep opposing offenses off the field.

This is a by-product of Wilson's ability as a running back and Logan Thomas' size. Wilson has 6.1 yards per carry in 2011 and Thomas stands at 6'6", 254 pounds. Thomas is able to force the issue and make a play if anything breaks down for the Hokie's offense.

However, the most telling stat of all is the time of possession. Virginia Tech leads all BCS teams in their average time of possession with 33:54.

Virginia Tech's defense becomes the beneficiary of their offenses ability to stay on the field. There's no better way to stop the Michigan offense than by keeping them off the field.