2012 Virginia Tech Football: What To Watch Vs. Cincinnati

Virginia Tech Offense vs. Cincinnati Defense

• As I said in the Game Guide:

"The Bearcats defense ranks third nationally in points per game allowed at 8.5 per game. Keep in mind though, that average is comprised of only two games. Cincinnati ranks No. 38 nationally in total defense. They rank No. 39 nationally in rushing defense, and No. 53 in passing defense."

• The Bearcats run a 4-3 defense.
• The Hokies are No. 90 in the nation in total offense with 366 yards per game.
• They have thrown for an average of 219 passing yards per game, which ties them for No. 73 nationally with BYU.
• The Hokies rose 18 spots in rushing offense after last week's game against Bowling Green, and are now ranked No. 80 nationally in rushing offense with 147 yards per game.
• The Hokies are No. 102 nationally in time of possession, averaging just under 27 minutes per game.
• The Cincinnati defense has just two interceptions so far this season. It will be interesting to see if Logan Thomas can shed the turnover bug that has caused him to throw 4 interceptions in the last two weeks.

Virginia Tech Defense vs. Cincinnati Offense

• Cincinnati runs out of the spread formation offensively.
• The Bearcats are No 34. nationally in total offense, averaging 465.5 yards per game this season.
• They rank No. 12 in the nation in rushing yards per game with an average of 259.
• The Bearcats though do rank No. 89 nationally in passing offense, with an average of 206.5 yards per game.
• The Hokies are tied for No. 32 nationally in total defense with Vanderbilt, allowing 328 yards per game.
• Tech improved 10 spots against the run after last week, but are still a very unsatisfactory No. 90 in the nation against the run, allowing 184.5 yards per game on the ground. That's not good against a team with multiple rushing threats that is among the top 12 teams in the nation in rushing yards per game.
• The Hokies fell a spot and are now No. 9 nationally against the pass in terms of yards per game at 143.5. The Hokies also have only allowed 47.7% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks.
• Cincinnati is tied for No. 93 nationally in turnover margin after piling up six turnovers against Delaware State in their last game.
• The Hokies by comparison are tied for No. 61 nationally with 6 turnovers gained.
• Tech is No. 23 nationally in scoring defense, allowing 14.75 points per game, while Cincinnati is tied for No. 63 in the nation in scoring offense with 28.5 points per game.