Belk Bowl Prediction
Can Kentucky pick up a big bowl win on Tuesday afternoon when the Wildcats square off with Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl at Noon ET?
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 46.5 points. The public betting currently is split down the middle, 50-50. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Kentucky looks for back-to-back bowl wins
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. Kentucky beat Penn State last year in the Citrus Bowl and is looking for back-to-back bowl wins.
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.
Hokies slip up against Virginia
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.
College Football Betting Trends
Kentucky
The Wildcats have covered in four straight against a winning team and in seven of their last eight following a win.
Virginia Tech
The Hokies are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games on a neutral field, but just 2-5 ATS in their last seven against SEC opponents.
Prediction:
Kentucky has had some tough losses, but the Wildcats have also been able to grind out some nice wins in an SEC schedule. That should already put them above an average ACC opponent like Virginia Tech. The Hokies have had trouble finding consistency on offense and their defense has been prone to giving up big plays. Kentucky has a defense that should be able to handle anything the Hokies throw at them.
Belk Bowl Prediction: Kentucky +2.5
Related: Belk Bowl Total Prediction