Chick-fil-A Bowl Preview: Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech

The 11th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Thursday night. Each of these teams surely had higher expectations for this year, but will settle for a New Years Eve bowl appearance.

Tennessee has been under the microscope since HC Lane Kiffin’s arrival, but has responded nicely thus far. While ending the season with a 7-5 record may not seem like progress to this once prominent program, they had several big wins that will be building blocks towards their future. After a tough loss to Auburn in week 5, the Vols responded with a blowout of Georgia. Facing the then #2 team in the country Alabama, Tennessee held eventual Heisman winner Mark Ingram in check as they suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final minutes. This team showed how mentally tough they have become under Kiffin as they responded the following week with another big win over 22nd ranked S. Carolina. It is easy to see the change in attitude for this Vols team. They have been able to secure one of the top recruiting classes last year, and are looking to do the same in 2010. Expect Tennessee to get back to the top of the SEC within the next few years as Florida comes back to the pack.

Virginia Tech has always relied on their defense. This season has been no exception as they have only allowed over 20 points to 3 of their opponents this year. Two of their 3 losses came to top 25 teams, but head coach Frank Beamer was clearly expecting more out of this team that was ranked in the pre-season top 10. Expect much of the same next year as many of their starters will be back to make a run at a BCS Championship.

The Chick-fil-A Bowl will be a defensive battle that will be decided by less than a touchdown. While Virginia Tech is trying to maintain their elite status, Tennessee will be looking to make a statement that they are ready to make a jump to the next level. Check out what promises to be an exciting game Thursday night at 7:30pm on ESPN.

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