Sugar, Orange Bowl previews and picks

We hope 2012 is starting out well for all our loyal TNG readers and also that you took the over in those games last night.  Now if only we could see the next round of match-ups, oh wait that's not how it works.  Don't you just hate how the college football season ends?  I digress.  Today we take a look at the Sugar and Orange Bowls.  

Marcus Says...

SUGAR BOWL

Michigan -3 vs. Virginia Tech

O/U 51.5

Now I'm not looking to continue my BCS bashing here, but you know the powers that be are hoping both of these teams show up in this one.  Michigan benefited from not playing in the B1G title game and received an at-large bid over an MSU team they lost to in the regular season.  Virginia Tech was invited over the likes of Boise State, despite losing twice to Clemson this past season.  With that being said, has there been a better story than Michigan this year?  Brady Hoke took over a program that had lost it's mojo under Rich Rodriguez and balanced the offense while shoring up the defense in one season.  Pretty impressive.  Denard was inconsistent as a passer at times, but had another strong year on the ground rushing for 1163 yards.  The wear and tear of the season was less of an issue thanks to the emergence of Sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint, who had a 1000+ rushing season as well.  The Wolverine defense returned to the upper echelon yielding only 317.6 yards and 17.2 points per contest.  The UM offense will face an equally stout Hokie defense who maintained their status as a premiere defensive program.  Va Tech gave up a mere 313.9 yards and 17.2 points per game.  The Va Tech offense is led by ACC player of the year RB David Wilson who 1627 yards and 9 TDs on the ground.  Sophomore QB Logan Thomas had a strong year statistically, but the fans in Blacksburg will tell you they're still waiting for that breakout year.  I expect a defensive game (take the under) and Michigan covering the spread.  

ORANGE BOWL

Clemson -3 vs. West Virginia

O/U 61

Offensive firepower should be the story in the Orange Bowl Wednesday night.  We've written extensively on this blog about both QBs in this game.  Junior signal caller Geno Smith threw for just under 4000 yards for the Mountaineers this season, while keeping the turnovers down.  While Clemson was led by Sophomore Tajh Boyd who was once considered a Heisman contender.  Clemson coach Dabo Swinney would love to cap off the year with a BCS victory after winning their first ACC title in 20+ years.  West Virginia earned their bid after they seemed to be a lock to get the Big East bid earlier in the year.  WVU is 2-0 in BCS bowls and is riding a 3 game winning streak.  Expect a high scoring affair with the defense that is able to force the key turnover winning the game.  I'm taking the explosive Clemson Tigers to cover and the over.