The Cincinnati Bearcats and Virginia Tech Hokies battle it out in one of the top games during the bowl season. Often, the Military Bowl invites a team like Army or Air Force. This season, they’ve invited two competitive squads from great conferences. Who takes it on Dec. 31 in one of the most solid matchups on New Year’s Eve?

Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech 2018 Military Bowl Spread & Expert Pick

🏈The Hokies and Bearcats are all in DC! The teams are practicing today and then headed to the #MilitaryBowl Welcome Reception tonight! pic.twitter.com/xAJIibXIVg

— #MilitaryBowl (@MilitaryBowl) December 27, 2018

• When: Monday, Dec. 31 at 12:00 pm ET
• Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: Cincinnati / Virginia Tech
• Live Stream: WatchESPN
• ATS Odds: Cincinnati -5.5 (-110)
• Over/Under Total Odds: 53.5 (-110)

Weather Forecast

• Rain: 8^°C/47^°F
• Humidity: 81%
• Precipitation: 92%
• Wind: 6 mph SSE
• Cloud Cover: 100%
• Type of Stadium: Open

Why #24 Cincinnati Bearcats are a good bet -5.5?

After ending the season with a 10-2 overall record, the Bearcats look to stamp their successful season with a huge victory in the Military Bowl.

Cincinnati only stumbled twice this season, 17-24 at Temple, and 13-38 at Central Florida. The Bearcats started the season 6-0, including beating UCLA and Ohio. They finished the season dominating Eastern Carolina 56-6. They’ll be ready on Dec. 31.

Team Statistics

• Average Score For: 34.9
• Total Yards: 458.2
• Pass Yards: 220.1
• Rush Yards: 238.1

• Average Score Against: 16.1
• Total Yards: 289.9
• Pass Yards: 188.2
• Rush Yards: 101.8

Why Virginia Tech Hokies are a good bet +5.5?

Virginia Tech entered the season with some hype. The hype appeared justified after the Hokies beat Florida State 24-3 on the road. VA Tech followed the victory up with a win over Central Michigan.

But, then, things went bad. The Hokies lost in one of the biggest upsets in college football history when Old Dominion beat them 49-35. It took Virginia Tech most of the season to get over the loss. They did, though, winning their final 2 regular season games.

VA Tech’s on a roll heading into the Military Bowl. They should play great on New Year’s Eve and have a big shot of winning straight up.

Team Statistics

• Average Score For: 29.8
• Total Yards: 426.9
• Pass Yards: 256.8
• Rush Yards: 170.2

• Average Score Against: 30.7
• Total Yards: 436.8
• Pass Yards: 230.2
• Rush Yards: 206.5

2018 Military Bowl Trends for Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech 

• Virginia Tech is 2-6 ATS in the last 8 games
• Virginia Tech is 2-4 SU in the last 6 games
• The total went OVER in 4 of Virginia Tech’s last 6 games
• Cincinnati is 2-4 ATS in the last 6 games
• Cincinnati is 11-2 SU in the last 13 games
• The total went UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games

Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech Final 2018 Military Bowl Analysis

Cincinnati’s been fantastic the entire season. Their only two losses were both on the road against a couple of the best teams in the conference. Central Florida plays on New Year’s Day against LSU in the Fiesta Bowl. We know they’re a quality team.

Virginia Tech did look good in their final two regular season games, but both Virginia and Marshall are a step down from Cincinnati. The Hokies haven’t been right since starting quarterback Josh Jackson went down back on Sep. 25.

Bearcats roll to around a 10 point win.

2018 Military Bowl Pick: Cincinnati Bearcats -5.5