Military Bowl Matchup

Virginia Tech (6-6, ACC) vs. Cincinnati (10-2, AAC), noon, EST, Dec. 31.
LOCATION: Annapolis, Md.
TOP PLAYERS
Virginia Tech: QB Ryan Willis, a junior, completed 58 percent of passes, 2,497 yards, 22 TDs, 8 INT; WR Damon Hazelton 45 catches, 745 yards, 8 TDs.
Cincinnati: QB Desmond Ridder, completed 66 percent, 2,359 yards, 19 TDs, 5 INT; RB Michael Warren, 1,163 yards rushing, 17 TDs, 1 fumble.
NOTABLE:
Virginia Tech: The Hokies are making their 26th straight bowl appearance, longest active streak in the country, although they needed a couple of late wins to make it. They survived despite losing quarterback Josh Jackson early.
Cincinnati: It was a turnaround season for the Bearcats coach Luke Fickell with the only losses to UCF and Temple.
LAST TIME
Virginia Tech 33, Cincinnati 17
BOWL HISTORY
Virginia Tech: Coincidentally, when the teams last met it was in this same Military Bowl when Virginina Tech won. The Hokies have not missed a bowl game since 1992. The Hokies had appeared in only seven bowl games before then.
Cincinnati: The Bearcats end a three-year bowl drought. This is the Bearcats’ 14th bowl game. They are 6-8 all-time in the postseason.

By The Associated Press