2016 Belk Bowl


The 2016 Belk Bowl was a postseason college football bowl game played on December 29, 2016. The game featured the Arkansas Razorbacks of the Southeastern Conference and the Virginia Tech Hokies of the Atlantic Coast Conference. It was the first appearance in the Belk Bowl for both teams.

Teams

Arkansas

Prior to kickoff, Arkansas announced that senior tight end, Jeremy Sprinkle would be suspended for the bowl game. Sprinkle had been arrested for shoplifting earlier in the week. On Tuesday, all players from both teams received a $450 gift card to purchase merchandise from a Belk store within a 90 minute timeframe. Sprinkle allegedly took more than he was allowed and was suspended by the Arkansas athletic department.

Virginia Tech

With its 2016 Belk Bowl appearance, the Virginia Tech football team extended its bowl streak to 24 consecutive games. The streak is the longest active bowl streak recognized by the NCAA.

Game summary

Scoring summary

Statistics

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ARKPassingAustin Allen18/31, 278 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
ARKRushingRawleigh Williams III12 car, 34 yds
ARKReceivingKeon Hatcher6 rec, 105 yds
VTPassingJerod Evans21/33, 243 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
VTRushingJerod Evans22 car, 87 yds, 2 TD
VTReceivingCam Phillips6 rec, 115 yds