Russell Athletic Bowl 2012: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech game preview, location, history and more

Rutgers and Virginia Tech will meet in the 2012 edition of the Russell Athletic Bowl, with Virginia Tech being slight favorites to win a tough defensive struggle. The game could mark a personal milestone for Hokies coach Frank Beamer, as a win would be the 258th of his FBS career. That would move him into sole possession of sixth all time among FBS coaches.

This will mark the first time that the two former Big East rivals have met in a bowl game, with the Hokies having won 11 of the 14 matchups in the history of the two schools. All 11 Virginia Tech wins against Rutgers have come with Frank Beamer at the helm, with Rutgers only knocking off a Beamer led Tech squad one time, in 1992.

Virginia Tech will need a win to end the season over .500, and Gobbler Country took a look at a few things that they'll need to do to ensure that they get there. Taking advantage of Gary Nova's high interception totals would seem to be a good way for the Hokies to put some easy points on the board, as their offense has struggled this year.

Rutgers started the season 7-0, but have won just two of their last five games since that excellent start to the season. SB Nation looked at some players to watch on Thursday, highlighting Brandon Coleman and Khaseem Greene for the Scarlet Knights. Like Virginia Tech, Rutgers will probably struggle to move the ball and could really benefit from a few big defensive plays.

Game date and time

Friday, December 28, 2012, 5:30 p.m. ET

Location

Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.

Spread

Virginia Tech is favored by two points, with the over/under set at 41 points

TV schedule

ESPN

Watch online

Watch ESPN

Radio schedule

ESPN Radio

Last year’s game

The 2011 edition of the game featured Florida State defeating Notre Dame by an 18-14 score..

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