Vols vs. Virginia Tech... A Fearless Prediction

Tennessee and Virginia Tech... how cool would it be if someday, they actually do play this game at Bristol Motor Speedway?  It might never happen, but we can always hope.

Until then, the Vols and the Hokies will have the Georgia Dome.  For the first time in 15 years, the top two football programs from these border states will square off at the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

I was at UT and VT practice this past Monday in Atlanta.  I was wondering how much the Hokies would care about this matchup.  After all, they had played in two straight BCS bowl games, and the Chick-fil-A Bowl is a step below the Orange Bowl.

But the Hokies need to win this game.  At least that's what head coach Frank Beamer says.  The Hokies have lost four straight games to SEC opponents, and believe that for their program, the Hokies must prove they can compete with teams from the nation's premier football conference.  That's their motivation.

Virginia Tech and Tennessee matchup fairly well, except in one area.  Special teams.

Vols assistant coach Eddie Gran left for Florida State, and Gran was the guy in charge of UT's special teams.  At the moment, their special teams is by committee.  The Vols still haven't settled on who will kick field goals in this game.  General Neyland knew how important the kicking game is.  The Vols and the Hokies know it too.

With that in mind, I believe it will be a close game, that will turn on a special teams achievement/blunder... depending on whether or not you wear maroon or orange.

Virginia Tech 24, Tennessee 17

Mark's 2009 Fearless Prediction Record: 11-2