I really can't argue that Virginia Tech is not a good team they are excellent, but a closer look at their defense reveals that they may not be as dominant as many think. They really only played three good passing teams and two of them picked Vtech apart including NC State's Russell Wilson, and Duke's Thaddeus Lewis. Johnathan Crompton grew up this year and ended his season in spectacular fashion. Crompton one of the most challenging schedules for any passer had to go up against both Florida and Alabama. Overall he faced a 33rd ranked pass defense. Tennessee however is still known more for its defense despite having a very balanced offense attack.
Tenn's defense ranked #19 overall in total defense and can be compared without getting a lugh to the three top defense that Virginia Tech has seen in UNC, (L17-20), Nebraska (W "miracle" 16-15) and Alabama (L24-34). In fact Tenn played right with Alabama on the road and should have won if their FG kicker could get enough height on his kicks. I really think Tennessee can shut down Virginia Tech. Give Monte Kiffin the defensive coordinator a month to prepare for a game and he will come up big. Tennessee came up with their biggest games against the top in the SEC as they played Alabama and Florida extremely well and blew out Georgia on the road where Crompton had his coming out party. We did not mention Vtech's run defense that is ranked 54th, but has only seen an average rushing attack ranked 72. Tennessee features a very strong running game with Montario Hardesty. Hardesty ran for 1,306 yards and 12 TD's. When he runs for more than 100 yards Tenn is 5-0 this year. When he doesn't they are 2-5. I believe he will have every opportunity to run for 100+
Virginia Tech is 1-4 in their last 5 bowl games as a favorite and really should not be favored by almost a TD in this game playing an SEC team. We saw what happened when top ACC teams played mid SEC teams when Georgia Tech and Clemson lost to Georgia and South Carolina. Judging by what Georgia did in their bowl game and what Tenn did to them on the road I'd say Tenn is flying under the radar here still!
