Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer underwent throat surgery earlier this month. (Getty)
Frank Beamer has led Virginia Tech (6-6, 3-5 ACC) to 22 straight bowl appearances, the second-longest streak behind Florida State’s 33 consecutive trips.
But in Saturday’s Military Bowl against Cincinnati (9-3, 7-1 American), Beamer will be trying something new: running his team from the coaching box.
Beamer underwent throat surgery earlier this month and decided it was best not to be on the sideline.
His Hokies became bowl-eligible with a 24-20 win over Virginia in the season-finale.
Tommy Tuberville‘s Bearcats cruised into the postseason, closing with 7-game winning streak after starting 2-3.
The Basics
Who:
Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Cincinnati (9-3), Military Bowl
When:
Saturday, 1 p.m. Eastern
Where:
Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland
TV Info:
Channel: ESPN
Announcers: Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Joey Galloway (analysis), Paul Carcaterra (sidelines)
Line:
Cincinnati (-3). Line provided by bovada.lv
All-Time Series:
Series tied 5-5
Last Year’s Military Bowl:
Marshall 31, Maryland 20
Heavy’s Pick
Virginia Tech might have struggled in the Win-Loss column, but it didn’t in the pass defense department. The Hokies were a top 15 unit, allowing just 186.8 yards per game and 11 touchdown passes all season. And they’ll need to be at their best against Gunner Kiel and Cincinnati.
Kiel’s 30 touchdown passes led the American Athletic Conference in his first season as the starter. He’s thrown 10 TDs over the past 4 games and the Bearcats average 35.4 points per contest for the year behind the sophomore.
Where VT stands out on pass defense, it doesn’t really jump out anywhere on offense. Michael Brewer has thrown for 17 touchdowns but the Hokies lack firepower. And that’s going to be a problem.
Tuberville and Kiel have Cincy soaring. And while the Hokies D will slow the ‘Cats a bit, the V-Tech offense just isn’t there – 23.3 points per game, including just 15.7 over the past 3.
