Gator Bowl
Background:
The two teams have never met.
Streak:
Tech is coming off a monster victory over Oklahoma
Virginia lost it's last game to in-state rival Va. Tech.
Texas Tech Advantages:
As always, Texas Tech will enter this game with the number one passing attack in the country.
Michael Crabtree is arguably the best receiver in the nation, and this as only a freshman. The kid's got speed and hands, kind of a Santana Moss-type.
Texas Tech is the only team in the Big XII to be above .500 each of the last 12 seasons.
Texas Tech Disadvantages:
The defense is nothing special. Not bad, but certainly not good either.
One of the most one dimensional teams in the country. They give teams chances in the fourth quarter 'cause they can't run the ball.
Virginia Advantages:
They feature a stout, aggresive defense, led by All-American Chris Long (son of Raiders great Howie Long)
QB Jameel Sewell has shown much improvement towards the end of the season.
Virginia has certainly shown the ability to win the close one, winning six of their games by 7 or less, two of those by 3 or less and three of those by 1!
Virginia Disadvantages:
Their ability to win the close one could most likely be just luck.
The offense is nothing special and, at times, has been down right futile.
A loss to Wyoming and a two point win against Middle Tennessee State...interesting...
Writer's Predicitions:
okluschen: Texas Tech. The Cavaliers simply can't keep pace with high flyin' Red Raider offense. The Cavs have been very fortunate in many games this season. Give Jameel Sewell a couple more years to mature and then we'll talk, but for now, I like Harrell and Crabtree.
Jason Frost: TBA
Zorgon: Texas Tech. Virginia is just a lucky duck. Too many close calls. Well, Texas Tech has pretty much sucked it up too, but they are 1st ranked overall in passing offense, and second in total offense. They can surely run against the best, and the Harrell-Crabtree combination (that even I knew the name of before reading this preview) is ace. However, if Virginia can somehow stop Texas Techs passing game (possible, their defense is a respectable #35), they will have pretty much have stopped the whole team (texas Techs run game is ranked DEAD LAST). But, if OU couldn't stop them, I doubt Virginia will. Texas Tech big.
Bottom Line: Texas Tech 2, Virginia 1
