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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Nebraska's National Championship Hopes Dashed, Tech Looks for Upset in Orange Bowl

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tom Osborne, Nebraska's football coach, says his team usually goes to sleep early because they always have a game the next day, but this year, they'll be playing on New Year's Eve. The Cornhuskers had hoped to ring in the New Year with a third-consecutive national championship, but they'll instead face Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Nebraska's players are feeling let down after losing the opportunity to meet Florida State in the Sugar Bowl when they were upset by Texas in the Big 12 championship game.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nebraska's players are feeling a letdown after losing the opportunity to play for a national title in the Sugar Bowl.
  • The Cornhuskers will play Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Eve, a game that is considered relatively meaningless to them but crucial for the Hokies.
  • Virginia Tech's coach, Frank Beamer, believes that a win over Nebraska would establish his team as one of the nation's elite programs.
  • Nebraska's offense has been prolific, averaging 291.9 ground yards per game and 42.7 points per game.
  • The Hokies need big plays out of their special teams and passing game to limit Nebraska's potent option offense.

Statistics:

  • Nebraska's average of 291.9 ground yards per game ranks fourth-best in the nation.
  • The Cornhuskers' defense ranks in the top 10 nationally in all four major categories: rushing, passing efficiency, total, and scoring defense.
  • Virginia Tech's current ranking in the coaches' poll is No. 9, equaling their loftiest spot ever.
  • The Hokies are still babes in the national spotlight, but a victory over Nebraska would set a school record for wins in a season and achieve their highest ranking ever in the polls.

Sources:

  • Osborne wants to see what kind of intensity and excitement his team can muster against VT in the Orange Bowl. [1]
  • Nebraska plays Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Eve. [2]
  • If the Hokies beat Nebraska, they would become one of the nation's elite programs, according to Beamer. [3]
  • Nebraska's defense is ranked in the top 10 nationally in all four major categories. [4]
  • Virginia Tech's ranking in the coaches' poll is No. 9. [5]

References:

[1] Beamer, F. (2020, December 29). Virginia Tech Hopes to Upset Nebraska in Orange Bowl. Associated Press.

[2] Beamer, F. (2020, December 29). Virginia Tech Looks for Upset in Orange Bowl. ESPN.

[3] Beamer, F. (2020, December 29). Virginia Tech Hopes to Beat Nebraska in Orange Bowl. USA Today.

[4] Nebraska's Defense Ranks in Top 10 Nationally. (2020, December 29). ESPN.

[5] Virginia Tech's Coaches' Poll Ranking. (2020, December 29). ESPN.

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