SEC Football: Bowl Season Primer, Predictions, and Viewing Guide

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) holds up an SEC logo after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) holds up an SEC logo after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 1, 2016; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Devwah  Whaley (21) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Alcorn State Braves at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Devwah  Whaley (21) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Alcorn State Braves at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Belk Bowl

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech Hokies

When: December 29th at 5:30 PM Eastern Time

Where: Charlotte, North Carolina

Venue: Bank of America Stadium

Watch: ESPN and ESPN3

The Hokies won the ACC Coastal Division before dropping a close conference title game to Clemson. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise then that they are listed as seven point favorites against an Arkansas team that finished in the middle of the pack in a depleted SEC West.

This year’s iteration of the Razorbacks is much more offensive heavy than in years past, ranking 49th in the country in total offense. Most of that came on the arm of junior quarterback Austin Allen, who was second in the conference in passing touchdowns (23).

Allen had to throw a lot this season to compensate for a defensive unit that was uncharacteristically poor. The defense gave up 6.91 yards per play, a mark that ranks among the bottom 15% in division one football.

They’ll be up against a Hokie team that proved to be very good on both sides of the ball this season. Virginia Tech outgained opponents by nearly 100 yards per game and won’t have a problem moving the ball in this contest. The over/under on this game is 62. Take the over.

Prediction: Arkansas 28 – No. 22 Virginia Tech 38