Belk Bowl Total Prediction
Will points be hard to come by on Tuesday at Noon ET when the Kentucky Wildcats square off with the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Belk Bowl?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Belk Bowl
291 Kentucky vs. 292 Virginia Tech
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Noon ET – Bank of America Stadium
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Virginia Tech is the slight favorite in this game, as the Hokies are getting odds of -2.5 points against Kentucky. The over/under total is listed at 47.5 points. The public betting currently has 53 percent going on Virginia Tech as the slight favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Hokies fall to UVA
For the first time in 15 years, Virginia Tech experienced a loss to its rival, Virginia. That happened in the season finale on Nov. 29. The loss snapped a three-game win streak for the Hokies. Tech is 8-4 on the season, 6-6 against the spread and 7-5 with the under.
Virginia Tech has been led this season by its defense, which is allowing just 23.7 points and 360.4 yards per game. Their run defense ranks 27th nationally. Offensively, Virginia Tech produces 30.9 points and 390.3 yards per game. Hendon Hooker has emerged as the team’s QB to end the season. He has thrown for 1,445 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 306 yards and five scores. Deshawn McClease is the leading rusher with 717 yards and six touchdowns, while Tre Turner is the leading receiver with 33 catches for 542 yards and four scores.
Kentucky with momentum
Kentucky comes into this bowl game having won three straight games, all by at least 24 points. The Wildcats are now 7-5 on the season, 9-3 against the spread and 6-6 with the over/under total.
The Wildcats are a great defensive team as well, allowing just 18.4 points and 324 yards per game. Their pass defense ranks fourth nationally by giving up just 172.7 yards per game. On offense, Kentucky is averaging 26.3 points and 391.8 yards per game. Lynn Bowden Jr. is a dynamic player that has done it all for Kentucky. He is the team’s leading rusher with 1,235 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also being the leading receiver with 30 catches for 348 yards. Bowden Jr. also has thrown for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Sawyer Smith is the top passer with just 690 yards and four touchdowns, while Asim Rose has 757 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Virginia Tech
The Hokies have hit the over in six of their last eight games in December and in five of their last seven against SEC opponents.
Kentucky
The Wildcats have hit the under in four straight as an underdog and in four of their last five bowl games.
Prediction:
Kentucky definitely has a dangerous run game, but the Wildcats are facing a physical defensive front that will be able to stack the box. Tech hasn’t been as great as usual defensively, but this seems like a good matchup for that unit. Kentucky also is a physical defense that is going to try and make Tech one dimensional. The Hokies aren’t terribly explosive, so I think points are going to be hard to come by for them as well.
Belk Bowl Prediction: Virginia Tech/Kentucky Under 43.5