Sugar Bowl 2012: Michigan vs Virginia Tech football, Game Time, TV Channel, Score

Controversial call. Controversial game. Controversial system. Are the Wolverines and Hokies deserving to be in the Sugar Bowl 2012? The controversies surrounding the selection of Michigan and Virginia Tech to play in the Sugar Bowl cannot be denied. Of course, it is easy to determine that there are teams that have the better ranking than these teams. As flawed as the system of selecting it is, the Sugar Bowl 2012 must go on at the Mercedez-Benz Superdome, start time at 8:30 PM ET.

Michigan Wolverines in the Sugar Bowl? Not to forget the fact that Michigan’s selection can be defended by the players and even the fans themselves. After terrible two seasons, Michigan is obviously a better team this year with coach Brady Hoke as he turned this team into a more competitive and defensive. He installed something that coach Richt Rodriguez couldn’t do. The standings of the Wolverines can be attributed much on Hoke’s system as the team excelled this season.

For most of the college football fanatics, it is mind boggling why the Sugar Bowl has forgotten Boise State, Kansas State, Arkansas, and even Michigan State? There’s so much a mystery on why they came up with the Michigan vs Virginia Tech Sugar Bowl game.

In yesterday’s Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl 2012, we witnessed high scoring games. Not in this Sugar Bowl if statistics will be followed. Michigan Wolverines ranked 18th in defense yielding 317 yards per game while Virginia Tech ranked 13th giving up 314 yards per game. Two defenses that will provide viewers a low-scoring game that features two defenses.

The Wolverines improvements this season was on the defense. Before they ranked 110th that they couldn’t get the wins if other teams are scoring also. The turn around will always be the key to their success and probably that defense will win the Sugar Bowl for them. With defensive schemes that they can apply in the face of the Hokies, the Wolverines can end up the winner.

Offensively, Denard Robinson is the main ingredient of the attacks of Michigan. His flexibility on passing and rushing options always confused the defense of the opponents. Robinson accumulated 2,056 yards passing, 18 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. However, he can make things different as he rushed 1,164 yards and 16 touchdowns. With the numbers that Robinson had, the Wolverines are explosive in the offense. Adding to the rushing game of Michigan is running back Fitzgerald Toussaint who reached 1,011 yards on the ground.

If the Wolverines have to win this Sugar Bowl 2012, Robinson must get his numbers. Furthermore, he must do the damage both in the passing and rushing game. Not long ago, the Wolverines were in the spotlight but this is the moment to show to the world that they are ready for the big stage.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech record was marred by two losses to the same team Clemson. They lost the ACC title game but still they received the invitation to the Sugar Bowl. It is not the Hokies to be blamed if they are not deserving to even play here.

Aside from their defense that can slow down Robinson, Virginia Tech has the offense that can alter the complexion of the game. The Hokies have David Wilson whose average of 125 yards per game rushing can derail the defense of the Wolverines. If Wilson can impose his will in breaking tackles of Michigan, then the Hokies have a change to get the win.

Virginia Tech Hokies can pride themselves if they will win the Sugar Bowl. It will take an all out effor in the defense to contain Michigan Wolverines. The Hokies defense will be the barometer of getting the Sugar Bowl 2012. Coach Frank Beamer knows exactly how to prepare his team to beat Michigan. What matters to the coach is how he motivates his players to play tough in times that they are being questioned of their worth to play in Sugar Bowl. The Hokies play better when they are not at home, a reason that they will capture the Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl 2012 game time / Start time is at 8:30 PM ET. Michigan vs Virginia Tech live tv channel coverage is on ESPN. We will provide you the Sugar Bowl score here.

Final

Michigan 23
Virginia Tech 20