The Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4) finished second in the ACC Coastal at 5-3. The #24 Virginia Cavaliers won the division with a 6-2 record. The Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) posted a losing mark in the SEC East. Specifically, they finished fourth in the division with a 3-5 mark. The #5 Georgia Bulldogs finished first in the Coastal as they went 7-1.
2019 Belk Bowl Pick – Regular Season
Our 2019 Belk Bowl pick notes that the Kentucky Wildcats has a strong start to their season and a solid finish. However, weeks three through nine were spotty at best. The Cats started with two wins, beating Toledo 38-24 and Eastern Michigan 38-17. Those two victories were followed by three losses. Included was a #9 Florida win over Kentucky (29-21). Consequently, with those three losses, the Wildcats has a losing record. After that, they split the next four games. Of note, #10 Georgia beat the Wildcats 21-0. Kentucky’s last loss was on November 9 to Tennessee 17-13. The Wildcats finished the season with three wins in a row. They finished the regular season with a 45-13 victory over Louisvile.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Kentucky Wildcats – Stats
Total offensive yards per game come to 389.8 for the Hokies. Overall, Kentucky averaged 391.5 offensive YPG. VT’s yards were fairly balanced, as they posted 217.3 YPG passing and 172.5 YPG rushing. On offense, Kentucky highlights its running games. As a result, they’re averaging 274.4 ground YPG and just 117.1 air YPG. On defense, Virginia Tech is allowing opponents 359.9 YPG. However, they are fairly stingy with rushing yards allowed, as they come in at 123.3 PG. The Hokies are also permitting 236.6 air YPG. On the other hand, of the 321.6 total yards given up by the Kentucky D, only 172.7 YPG are in the air, while 148.9 YPG are on the ground.
Virginia Tech at Kentucky – Players
VT utilizes a mix of air and ground games. On defense, the Hokies have put up solid stats. Their D has scored three touchdowns. The Wildcats will use their ground game to score. They are limited on this side of the ball. However, Kentucky has a stout defense.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Wildcat defense brings some fine stats to this game. Notably, they have 13 interceptions and 37 sacks. Plus, they’ve defended 49 passes and forced six fumbles, recovering four with two going for scores. Also, they’ve posted one pick six. In terms of pass D, LB Dax Hollifield has three INTs, while DB Jermaine Waller also has three picks as well as 10 PD. LB Rayshard Ashby leads the team with 52 solo tackles and 106 total tackles. He also has 4.5 sacks and two FF. DB Chamarri Conner has 5.5 sacks, eight PD, and one pick.
Kentucky Wildcats
On defense, the Cats forced 15 fumbles, recovering 10 and taking one in for a score. They also posted 32 sacks, eight picks, and 51 PD. Of the 32 quarterback bring-downs scored by Kentucky, three players are responsible for 17.5 sacks. Consequently, DE Calvin Taylor Jr. has created 7.5 sacks and three FF, LB Jamar Watson has garnered 6.5 sacks, and DL Joshua Paschal has notched 3.5 sacks and two FF. LB DeAndre Square tops the teams with 68 total tackles.
Five Keys to the Game
In developing this 2019 Belk Bowl pick, we note the following keys to this game:
- For Kentucky to win they must run
- VT QB Hooker is solid and knows how to win
- The Cats bring a sound defense with a fine pass rush
- Hokies defense can score
- Virginia Tech is deeper on offense
Our 2019 Belk Bowl Pick
Our 2019 Belk Bowl pick is leaning towards the Hokies in this one. We like their balanced offense as well as the ability of their D to score. However, we do expect the Cats to score also. That is, as long as running back/receiver Bowden can perform. He’s the team’s primary offensive weapon. Plus, Kentucky does offer a good defense. Still, we’re taking the Virginia Tech Hokies at -2.5. We feel they’re deeper on both sides of the ball. We’re also going the over at 46.5.
