Virginia Tech LB Lyndell Gibson Might Not Play in Orange Bowl

According to Norm Wood from the Newport News Daily Press, Virginia Tech backer Lyndell Gibson's status for the Orange Bowl is uncertain due to a fractured left shoulder he suffered in the ACC Championship Game:

Gibson suffered a scapular fracture in his left shoulder last Saturday in No. 12 Tech's 44-33 win against Florida State, according to a release from Tech's athletic department. He'll undergo tests this week to determine a plan of action for the injury and his status for the bowl game is unknown. He'd been bothered by a shoulder injury at various points earlier this season.

Gibson missed the second half against FSU and was replaced by redshirt freshman Tariq Edwards, who recorded two solo tackles. Edwards received more playing time as the year went on and Gibson and the Hokies continued to struggle against the run.

Edwards is taller than Gibson by four inches, but has a much slighter frame and, according to Wood, needs better practice habits. If Gibson can't go, the Hokies will have to rely on another backup linebacker performing well in the bowl game.

In 2008 against Cincinnati, Barquell Rivers played well at mike linebacker in the Orange Bowl. Last year, Gibson took over the backer position late in the year, didn't relinquish it and then had a strong performance against Tennessee in the Peach Bowl.