Virginia Tech tries to snap its 4-game losing streak in bowls against No. 23 Tulane in Military Bowl
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry stands on the sideline prior to an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Nov. 18 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. Tulane and Virginia Tech meet Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Annapolis, Md., for the Military Bowl. The game will take place at Navy's home stadium, and although Tulane is in the same conference as the Midshipmen, the Green Wave haven't played there since 2019. Credit: AP/Matt Gentry
Military Bowl: No. 23 Tulane (11-2) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6), Dec. 27, 2 p.m. Eastern (ESPN)
FanDuel Sportsbook College Line: Virginia Tech by 10 1/2
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 5-4.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
The Hokies try to snap a four-game losing streak in bowls. They haven't won one since beating Arkansas in the 2016 Belk Bowl. Tulane has a chance for its second consecutive 12-win season, which would be quite a foundation for new coach Jon Sumrall when he takes over next year.
KEY MATCHUP
Virginia Tech's defensive front against Tulane RB Makhi Hughes. The AAC's leader in rushing, Hughes has averaged just under 100 yards a game as a redshirt freshman.
Tulane running back Makhi Hughes (21) runs during an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Nov. 11, 2023, in New Orleans. Tulane and Virginia Tech meet Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Annapolis, Md., for the Military Bowl. The game will take place at Navy's home stadium, and although Tulane is in the same conference as the Midshipmen, the Green Wave haven't played there since 2019. Credit: AP/Matthew Hinton
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tulane: QB Kai Horton may play a much bigger role in this game in place of star passer Michael Pratt. Horton did start a couple games in September, including a loss to Mississippi. The sophomore has attempted 62 passes this season.
Virginia Tech: DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland leads the Hokies with 9 1/2 sacks. He had four in one game against Wake Forest on Oct. 14.
FACTS & FIGURES
These two teams last met in 1989, when Virginia Tech won 30-13. Both were independents at the time. ... The Hokies played in this bowl in 2014 and 2018, facing Cincinnati both times. Virginia Tech split those two games. ... Tulane has 23 wins since the start of last season. Only Georgia (27), Michigan (26) and Washington (24) have more. ... The Green Wave lost coach Willie Fritz to Houston earlier this month, and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle is finishing out the season as the interim. ... Virginia Tech recovered from a three-game losing streak early in the season, going 5-3 in ACC play. The Hokies did lose their only two games against Top 25 opponents, against Florida State and Louisville.
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