Game Preview: UCLA

Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4, 5-3) at UCLA Bruins (9-3, 6-3)

Time: 2:15 PM ET / Noon:15 MT
Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Place: El Paso, Texas
Stadium: Sun Bowl Stadium (51,500)
TV: CBS
Radio: Virginia Tech IMG
Spread: Virginia Tech +7.5
Weather: 57 F, Sunny

In an effort not to rewrite what's previously been posted over the last few weeks, this preview will be a summary and links, and will be brief.

Antone Exum is out (ankle), and Kyle Fuller (core) will be available, but it doesn't seem like he'll play a full 60 minutes. Given Kyle's open field tackling ability, athleticism, and coverage skills, it would be a big boost for the Hokies if he could work in when the Hokies roll their nickel package.

French discussed it at length, but will the Hokies be able to stop Brett Hundley and UCLA's option attack. Tech's struggled this season with quarterbacks who can run the read option effectively, and with those who can improvise well (remembers C.J. Brown; cries). Hundley can do both, and he has the arm strength to hurt Tech in the passing game.

UCLA runs a gap penetrating 3-4 defense that features talented veteran players and well as sensational freshman.

Unless BeamerBall got punt and kick coverage right during bowl prep, Ishmael Adams (#24) is going to break a big return. He did it multiple times in the games I watched. He's got jets and a knack for finding the crease.

Tech's running back rotation is probably going to be wonky. With Edmunds out, and Coleman unlikely to be the lone featured back, it will be interesting to watch how the offensive staff incorporates Mangus, Wright, and Caleb into the game.

UCLA's used two-way players this season to enhance its short yardage and goal line offense. Will Myles Jack, Eddie Vanderdoes, and others need to pull double duty again today.

If the Hokies win this game I think three things will have happened:

1. The offense did not turn the ball over. Silly turnovers like against Boston College and Duke cannot happen if the Hokies want to win. When Tech, and quarterback Logan Thomas, have played within Scot Loeffler's offense, good things have happened.
2. Anthony Barr was accounted for. UCLA's mammoth 6-4, 248 pound outside linebacker has 20.0 TFLs, 10.0 sacks on the season. Both of those stats rank among the top-15 nationally according to cfbstats.com. Jonathan McLaughlin and Tech's offensive line will have their hands full keep Barr off of Logan Thomas. However, the tailbacks will be called on to help in pass protection. Unfortunately the Hokies are without Trey Edmunds, their best blocking back. When Coleman, Mangus, Wright, or Caleb are in the game, they'll need to block in passing situations.
3. Most importantly, the defensive line dominated. This is easily one of the most talented defensive lines Foster and Wiles have fielded in Blacksburg. The unit was accurately billed in the preseason as the strength of the team. They need to have their best game of the season, create chaos in the trenches, and keep Hundley in check. UCLA's offensive line has struggled this season, and while their front-five has gotten more ripe with experience, this is still a matchup Tech needs to, and should, win.

Let's Go!