A clear difference in expectations was seen for Cincinnati and Virginia Tech last August. Virginia Tech was touted as a top Atlantic Coast Conference title contender. While Cincinnati was written off for dead after an uninspiring first year under Luke Fickell last year. But both teams have flipped their NCAA Football betting scripts. Cincinnati stunned the country with an opening day win at UCLA and never looked back. Meanwhile the Hokies also won their opener at Florida State but it was downhill from there. It will be Cincinnati rather than Virginia Tech as the favorite for their bowl matchup.
Military Bowl
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Date and Time: Monday, December 31, 2018, noon ET
Location: Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland
NCAA Football Betting Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech | +5½ (-110) | 53½ (-110) |  |
| Cincinnati U | -5½ (-110) | 53½ (-110) | |
| |||
Military Bowl TV Coverage: ESPN
Virginia Tech Hokies
On the whole Virginia needed an arrangement for an extra game at the end of their schedule to make a bowl. The Hokies did post a 41-20 home payout to salvage a 6-6 regular season record. Previously they had to rally for an overtime win over Virginia after trailing late. To be exact there is plenty of NCAA Football betting skepticism about their worthiness as a bowl team. Yet the Hokies did extend their bowl streak that extends back to 1993. As a result of the subpar play Tech covered just five of 12 games vs. the line.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati was one of the biggest surprises in online wagering this season. For one thing their 26-16 win at UCLA as 14-point dogs was no accident. It set the tone for what was a tremendous turnaround season. As a consequence, the Bearcats finished 10-3 straight up, 7-5 vs. the odds, and 5-7 under the total. Fickell’s team finished third in the East Division of the American Athletic Conference. And their league record was an impressive 6-2.
Stats to Consider
Comparable to most teams Cincinnati shows impressive balance. For example, the Bearcats ranked 25th nationally for scoring offense and seventh for points allowed. By contrast Virginia Tech ranked 59th for scoring offense and an uncharacteristic 99th for defense. In the same way the Hokies team strength is usually defense so it is cause for alarm.
Team vs Team
Despite their problems Virginia Tech has remained a good betting value as a road dog. To show the Hokies have paid in eight of their last 11 getting points on the road. Six of their last eight in that role have gone under the total. Counter to that is Cincinnati’s poor record as a road chalk. The Bearcats have come away with the money in just three of their last eight laying points away from home. Four of their last six in that situation have gone under the total.
Matchup to Watch
Cincinnati has a couple of strong NCAA Football betting matchup advantages. For one thing quarterback Desmond Ridder had a 145.0 rating with 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Additionally, running back Michael Warren II ran for 1163 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, and 17 touchdowns. Most important of all is that the Bearcats are the more complete team.
Military Bowl NCAA Football Betting
In view of their better metrics and value Cincinnati is the pick!
Military Bowl NCAA Football Betting Pick: Cincinnati Bearcats
Military Bowl NCAA Football Betting Score Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Virginia Tech 17
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