The Virginia Tech Hokies take on the Tulane Green Wave in the Military Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET from Annapolis, Maryland.
Virginia Tech (6-6, 5-3 ACC) wrapped up their season with a big win on rivalry weekend, defeating Virginia 55-17. The Hokies also grabbed wins over Wake Forest, Boston College, and Pitt this season after a rough 1-3 start to 2023. Virginia Tech was led by quarterback Kyron Drones, something of a breakout star in the ACC. Drones finished the season with over 1,900 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and three interceptions, and had the second-most rushing yards on the team behind RB Bhayshul Tuten.
Tulane (11-2, 8-1 AAC) lost head coach Willie Fritz to Houston just a few weeks ago and hired Jon Sumrall out of Troy to fill the opening. The Green Wave have lost quite a few starters to the transfer portal since Fritz’s departure, and will largely be playing their second-stringers in this matchup. Starting QB Michael Pratt is out, as are this season’s top running back and wide receiver. The Green Wave reached the AAC championship game but lost to SMU, 26-14.
Here’s everything you need to know and a pick for the bowl.
SP+ Rankings
Virginia Tech: 46 overall, 65 offense, 44 defense
Tulane: 50 overall, 63 offense, 40 defense
List of injuries and players opting out of game
Virginia Tech
TE Dae’Quan Wright – Out (transfer portal)
Tulane
QB Michael Pratt – Out (transfer portal)
QB Kai Horton – Out (transfer portal)
WR Chris Brazzell II – Out (transfer portal)
TE Alex Bauman – Out (transfer portal)
DB DJ Douglas – Out (transfer portal)
DL Devean Deal – Out (transfer portal)
DL Keith Cooper Jr. – Out (transfer portal)
WR Lawrence Keys III – Out (foot)
WR Jha’Quan Jackson – Out (personal)
ATS/Total
Against The Spread in 2023
Virginia Tech: 7-5 ATS
Tulane: 5-8 ATS
Total in 2023
Virginia Tech: Over 8-4
Tulane: Over 2-11
Team Pace
Virginia Tech: 27.7 seconds per play
Tulane: 28.5 seconds per play
Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread: Virginia Tech -10.5
Total: 44.5
Moneyline: Virginia Tech -395, Tulane +310
Weather
52°F, Light rain, 97% chance precipitation, 8 MPH winds
Our Best Bet for the Military Bowl
Virginia Tech -10.5
Tulane lost virtually every significant starter in a skill position after head coach Willie Fritz left for Houston, so this spread makes sense for the AAC runners-up. Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones is a very exciting player to watch, and the Hokies’ defense is nothing to scoff at, either. Tulane will struggle to find their footing here and Virginia Tech covers.