20* Rutgers/VA Tech Russell Athletics Bowl No-Brainer on Virginia Tech -2

Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech, 12/28/2012 17:30 EDT, Score: 10 - 13

Point Spread: -2/-110 Virginia Tech

Sportsbook: BookMaker

Result: Win

The Hokies simply underachieved this season after coming into the season with lofty expectations. They did manage to rebound down the stretch, winning their final two games against Boston College and Virginia to become bowl eligible. It would have been three in a row if not for a last-second loss to Florida State by a final of 22-28, which was a game that showed what this team is capable of.

Rutgers is deflated following two straight losses to close out the season. It played Louisville for all the marbles in its season finale on November 29th, but blew a double-digit lead to fall 17-20. That loss cost the Scarlet Knights a trip to the Sugar Bowl against Florida. These players will have hard time getting motivated to play in the Russell Athletic Bowl after letting such a big opportunity slip by.

“You always feel like your heart is ripped out when you lose a game no matter what,” Mark Harrison said. “It feels the same way with every loss, but that one had a lot on the line and we let it slip.” Harrison was obviously referring to the Louisville loss, and all of these players probably feel the same way he does.

Virginia Tech is 11-2 ATS in road games off a close win by 7 points or less over a conference rival since 1992. The Hokies are 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Frank Beamer is 16-4 ATS after gaining 3.75 or less yards/play in their previous game as the coach of Virginia Tech. I believe the Hokies will be in a much better state of mind heading into this one, and as a result they'll play up to their potential. Bet Virginia Tech Friday.