The fact two-loss Virginia Tech and Michigan earned spots in the Sugar Bowl was one of the most criticized BCS bowl decision for 2011.

But the Hokies and Wolverines will do battle Jan. 3 with the Big Ten rep now bet up to -3 at most online sportsbooks.

Virginia Tech was favored in all 13 games this year, but were just 4-9 ATS. Michigan was more trustworthy with bettor money at 8-4 ATS. QB Denard Robinson leads the UM attack and is the reason the Sugar Bowl odds preview features the Wolverines as slight favorites.


View Michigan vs Virginia Tech Odds and Stats.

Betting Line: The Wolverines opened as 1-point favorites in this one at most sportsbooks tracked here at OddsShark but it was bet up to -3 quickly. The total was sitting around 51 at shops such as Sportsbook and Sportsbook earlier.




How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up Virginia Tech's No. 55-ranked offense (28.5 PPG) against a Wolverines defense that ranks No. 7 at 17.2 PPG. The Hokies passing attack has averaged 227.1 yards per game, more than the Wolverines give up through the air (188.5 YPG on average).

Defensively, the Wolverines feature the league's No. 22-rated road run defense, allowing 122 yards per game. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, ranks No. 53 in rushing offense at home.

Last time out for Michigan, they were a 40-34 Sportsbook as they battled Ohio State at home. Michigan failed to cover in the match as a 8.5-point favorite, while 74 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Virginia Tech was a 38-10 loser in its last match on the road against Clemson. They failed to cover the 7–point spread as favorites, while the total score of 48 sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.


Michigan Wolverines Trends:
When playing in January are 5-5
When playing on turf are 9-1
After outgaining opponent are 7-3
When favored on the road are 5-5

Virginia Tech Hokies Trends:
When playing in January are 3-6
When playing on turf are 6-4
After being outgained are 8-2
When an underdog at home are 4-1

A few Wolverines at Hokies trends to consider:
Michigan is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan's last 6 games
Virginia Tech is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia Tech's last 6 games
Virginia Tech is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games