The Virginia Tech Hokies, who barely preserved their bowl streak, will battle Big East squad Rutgers in the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl on Friday, December 28th at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando (5:30pm ET, ESPN). Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Russell Athletic Bowl odds are favoring Frank Beamer’s troops at -2 against the spread; the Over/Under in this postseason contest is set at 41.5 points.
Rutgers, after its incredible 7-0 start, looked well on its way to a Big East title were it not for conference rival Louisville. The Cardinals, who shared the Scarlet Knights unblemished record, would go on to win the league championship thanks to a 20-17 win at Rutgers in their regular season finale.
The loss to Louisville marked a second consecutive setback for Rutgers and the third in its final five regular season games. Despite their poor close to the season, the Scarlet Knights, who rank fourth in the nation in scoring defense (14.3 points per game allowed), finished their 2012 slate with an impressive 9-3 record.
While Rutgers enjoyed some unexpected success this year, Virginia Tech suffered through its worst season since winning eight games back in 2003. The Hokies were inconsistent from the jump and, at one point; they had dropped five of six games, an almost unheard of slide during Frank Beamer’s extensive tenure in Blacksburg.
Virginia Tech did rally to qualify for postseason play, though, as it closed out the season with back to back wins over ACC rivals Boston College and Virginia.
Russell Athletic Bowl: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Rutgers Scarlet Knights +2 (-110), Over 41.5 (-110)
Virginia Tech Hokies -2 (-110), Under 41.5 (-110)
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