My Iowa State play didn't go too well yesterday and I apologize to you guys who tailed me. Today I'm going to make it up to you.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Virginia (+3) vs Auburn (-3)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta GA
Auburn (7-5) goes into the Georgia Dome tomorrow to face Virginia (8-4). They went from playing in the National Title game last year to playing in the Chick-fil-A Bowl this year, not exactly a step up. Chizik and company can't be too thrilled about playing in this bowl, but Virginia hasn't been to a bowl game in the past three seasons. The Cavaliers will be pumped up for their chance to knock off last years national champions. They have something to prove after getting buried at home by Virginia Tech in their last game. Auburn is 1-4 playing on the road or at a neutral site this year while the Cavaliers are 4-1. Auburn has averaged 24.3 points per game this year while giving up 29.3 while Virginia has scored 23.2 and given up 22.3. Auburn relies heavily on the running game and Virginia has already proven they can stop that when they handed Georgia Tech their first loss earlier this season. Auburn has rushed for 2,097 yards this year while giving up 2,337 to their opponents while Virginia has rushed for 1,984 and given up only 1,540. Auburn has gained 1,841 yards through the air this year while giving up 2,532. Virginia has gained 2,778 yards passing and has given up 2,578. These statistics don't play as much of a factor because the two teams play completely different schedules but they are still worth looking at to see how they will match up. In general, Virginia can counter Auburns offensive strength (Dyer and the running game) by stopping the run but Auburn won't be able to capitalize on Virginia's weak pass defense because Auburn simply doesn't throw the ball very often, and not very accurately when they do (Trotter: 54.4% CMP). Auburn's defense hasn't proven they can stop anybody this year besides a banged up Florida team; Clemson did whatever they wanted to Auburn offensively. Rocco should have a field day against Auburn's secondary as long as he doesn't turn the ball over. Virginia knows the key to winning this game is stopping Dyer and forcing Trotter to throw the ball. If you stop Dyer, you beat Auburn which Virginia's stingy run defense shouldn't have a problem with. Take Virginia +3. *Edit: Usually don't make mistakes like this but I some how missed Dyer being suspended which makes my play much stronger. Big Ups to the two pickle smoochers below who "kindly" informed me.