Dec. 24, 2010
January 3 – Orange Bowl
Virginia Tech (11-2) vs. Stanford (11-1), 8:30 p.m.
The ACC Champions for the third time in four years, Virginia Tech got another trip back to South Florida for the Orange Bowl. The Hokies beat Cincinnati two years ago in Miami Gardens, but now face Heisman finalist Andrew Luck and 11-1 Stanford this time.
The Hokies have won 11 straight games, which is fourth best in the country (Oregon, Auburn and TCU 12 each), but this could be a strong challenge for Frank Beamer and the ACC on a national stage.
Stanford won a school-record 11 games this year as well, but it is more than just a team with the Heisman runner-up at quarterback. Andrew Luck has thrown for over 3,000-yards and 28 TDs during the course of the season in leading the natnation’s 8th scoring offense (40.3). But on defense, Stanford is in the top-25 of five different statistical team charts.
Part of Virginia Tech’s success in the 11-game win streak has been its opportunistic play on defense. CB Jayron Hosley has earned All-America honors this year in part because of his eight interceptions (tied for national lead), but also because they have not surrendered the “big play”. That will be very important against the Cardinal.
— Wes Durham
