UC-Virginia Tech: What you need to know
Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com 10:49 a.m. EST December 26, 2014


General view of Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. (Photo: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports)

SCOUTING REPORT (UC-Virginia Tech)

When UC runs

Freshman Mike Boone leads UC with 601 yards rushing and nine TDs, with a crisp 6.6 yards per carry. Senior Rod Moore has rushed for 596 yards and five TDs (4.4 ypc). Moore usually starts, but Boone will get plenty of work. UC ranks 68th nationally in rushing, with Virginia Tech 41st against the run.

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When UC passes

Gunner Kiel has 30 TD passes, one shy of the UC record 31 set by Ben Mauk in 2007. Shaq Washington leads UC with 61 catches, with Mekale McKay tops in reception yardage (690) and TD catches (8). The UC passing game ranks 13th nationally, with Virginia Tech ranking 15th against the pass.

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When Virginia Tech runs

The Hokies have lost three key running backs to injuries, including leading rusher Marshawn Williams. The top active rusher is junior RB J.C. Coleman (5-7, 194 pounds), who has 376 rushing yards and two TDs. The Hokies rank just 93rd nationally in rushing offense, with UC standing 80th in rushing defense.

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When Virginia Tech passes

Junior QB Michael Brewer has thrown for 2,598 yards, 17 TDs and 14 interceptions. True freshman Isaiah Ford has team highs of 53 catches and 665 receiving yards, with six TDs. The Hokies rank 70th nationally in passing offense, but UC ranks only 109th against the pass.

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Special teams

The Bearcats rank 17th nationally in "Special Teams Efficiency," according to FootballOutsiders.com. That is a vast improvement over last year, when UC was 123rd. Virginia Tech, formerly strong on special teams, ranks only 67th this year. PK Andrew Gantz leads UC with 95 points, including 15-for-18 on FGs.

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Gresh's Gameplan: Five Keys to victory

1. Big game from Gunner

Gunner Kiel threw for 30 TDs against 11 interceptions during the regular season. Most of Kiel's best games were early in the year, as he has battled injuries and seen defenses adjust. Kiel has been held under 200 yards passing for three straight games, and he's due to break out again.

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2. Force some turnovers

Virginia Tech QB Michael Brewer has a 17-14 TD-interception ratio, including some turnovers that led to losses. Bearcats LB Jeff Luc (6 forced fumbles) and DE Terrell Hartsfield (8 sacks) will lead the pressure. In a potentially low-scoring game, turnover ratio could be a big factor.

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3. Productive days from Moore, Boone

UC is 6-0 this year when rushing for at least 150 yards. With Virginia Tech holding opponents to 142.8 yards rushing per game, the UC offensive line must find ways to spring Rod Moore and Mike Boone. Yardage could be tough to come by, with stout defense Tech's calling card under coordinator Bud Foster.

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4. Keep Tech under wraps

Virginia Tech is not the most explosive offensive team, ranking 93rd nationally in total offense and 95th in scoring offense. The Hokies hung 35 points on Ohio State earlier this year, but have been held under 30 points on five occasions. If UC can hold Tech QB Michael Brewer in check, it should win.

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5. Make a special teams play

The Bearcats have gotten steady production from PK Andrew Gantz (15-18 FGs, 50-52 PATs). Punter Sam Geraci has picked up his game, averaging 42.3 yards during his last three games. The Bearcats are due to break a long kickoff return or punt return, with Johnny Holton and Shaq Washington manning those duties.

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Prediction

Cincinnati 26, Virginia Tech 23

Virginia Tech is not the same team that upset Ohio State in September. Injuries and uneven play turned the Hokies into an average team, one that barely earned bowl eligibility. UC stumbled to a 2-3 start but since has won seven straight games. It should be close, but the Bearcats win with stronger offense.

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Quote:TEAM AVERAGES

Total Offense UC 457.8 VT 367.9

Run Offense UC 157.6 VT 142.8

Pass Offense UC 300.2 VT 225.2

Points scored UC 35.4 VT 23.3

Points allowed UC 26.8 VT 20.4

Total defense UC 447.8 VT 331.7

Run defense UC 181.5 VT 144.8

Pass defense UC 266.3 VT 186.8

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/c.../20909939/