The Orange Bowl will take place on Thursday night at Dolphin Stadium, where the Kansas Jayhawks (11-1) – one of the season’s biggest surprises – will pit their high-scoring offense against the stingy defense of the Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2).

The Jayhawks lost only once this season in the Big 12, but that loss was to Missouri and cost them a spot in the conference title game. Junior quarterback Todd Reesing led an offense that was second in the nation with 44.3 points per game, and ranked sixth in total offense. The Jayhawks were also third in kickoff returns, which will aid them in the battle for field position.

But the Jayhawks were not just an offensive team, as they were 14th in total defense, sixth in the country against the run, and fourth in points allowed with 16.0 per game. Because of the explosiveness of the Kansas offense (they scored over 50 points five times, including 76 points on Nebraska), their strong defense is often overlooked.

The Hokies avenged a tough loss to Boston College, defeating the Eagles to take the ACC championship. Virginia Tech did it with defense, coming in fifth in total defense, and second only to Ohio State with 15.5 points allowed per game. However, senior linebacker Vince Hall injured himself in a freak accident at a team beach party and will be a game-time decision. Hall was second on the team in tackles, and he adds plenty of toughness and experience to the group.

Offensively, the Hokies have Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor to lead the nation’s 99th-ranked unit, as Taylor is used more as a running quarterback. Junior back Brandon Ore has been a bit of a disappointment after a strong sophomore season, and he will be counted on for a solid game in the Orange Bowl.

The Hokies are favored by a 4-point spread in this contest , due to a defense that has been highly touted all season – with the exception of a blowout loss at LSU early in the campaign. But they will have their hands full against the powerful Jayhawks, who are aiming to put an exclamation mark on a dream season.

More importantly, the Hokies’ offense is going to have to produce against a Kansas defense that has been overlooked all season. If Kansas wins, it could hardly be considered an “upset”. The Jayhawks were 10-1 ATS this season, while the Hokies were only 7-5 ATS.

Odds (BetUS)
Kansas: +4
Virginia Tech: -4 (O/U 52.5)