2012 Sugar Bowl Spread

The Allstate Sugar Bowl is likely to have a sweet matchup. Two of the more storied programs in history, and two of the stingiest defensive units in the country in 2011, will square off in New Orleans when Michigan of the Big Ten takes on ACC runner-up Virginia Tech.

This game will mark the first-ever meeting between the schools.

Our college football odds list Michigan as a 2.5-point favorite, while the total has been posted at 50.5 points.

Michigan

The Wolverines closed their regular season with three straight wins, the most recent a 40-34 rivalry victory over Ohio State to win 10 games under first-year coach Brady Hoke, finishing second in the Big Ten Legends Division (6-2). Michigan was 2-2 away from home, losing to Michigan State and Iowa.

The Wolverines rank seventh nationally in scoring defense (17 points per game) and give up 318 yards per game (189 passing, 129 rushing) while recording 28 sacks and forcing 27 turnovers – three of which were returned for touchdowns (Brandon Herron and Courtney Avery, fumbles; Herron, interception).

Kenny Demens leads the defensive unit with 86 tackles (22 more than anyone else), while Ryan Van Bergen has five sacks and three fumble recoveries. Thomas Gordon has four fumble recoveries, and Avery and J.T. Floyd each have two interceptions.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies reached yet another ACC Championship Game (7-1, won Coastal Division), but had their seven-game win streak snapped with a 38-10 loss to Clemson. Virginia Tech is 6-1 away from home, winning the first six such games. Both of Tech’s losses this year came against Clemson.

The Hokies rank eighth nationally in points allowed (17 ppg) and gives up 314 yards per game (206 passing, 108 rushing) while recording 38 sacks and forcing 22 turnovers.

Antone Exum leads this unit with 85 tackles and two forced fumbles, while James Gayle has a team-high seven sacks. Jayron Hosley has three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

The Hokies rank 55th nationally in scoring offense (28 ppg) while compiling 416 yards per game (227 passing, 189 rushing).

David Wilson anchors the running game with 1,627 yards and nine TDs on 6.1 yards per carry, while Logan Thomas completes 59 percent of his passes for 2,799 yards and 19 TDs with nine interceptions. The offensive line has given up 15 sacks. Jarrett Boykin leads the receivers with 57 catches for 731 yards and five TDs, while Danny Coals has 52 grabs for 787 yards and three scores.