2009 Chick Fil-A Bowl Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech Picks & Predictions

Last Updated on December 31, 2009 4:00 pm by drew

Chick Fil-A Bowl Pick

Two physical football teams will meet in the 2009 Chick Fil-A Bowl on Thursday night at 7:30PM ET as

Tennessee faces Virginia Tech from The Georgia Dome.

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Tennessee is 7-5 this year under first-year coach Lane Kiffin, and the Volunteers are 7-5 against the spread.

Tennessee has won its last two games, but failed two cover in two of its last three.

Virginia Tech is 9-3 this season and 7-5 against the spread. The Hokies have won and covered in their last four games.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made Virginia Tech 5.5-point favorites over

Tennessee on Thursday night. The over/under total for this game has been established at 48.5.

Tennessee has scored 30.6 points per-game thanks to the ever-improving play of quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Crompton has thrown for 2,565 yards and 26 touchdowns while year while running back Montario Hardesty has rushed for 1,306 yards and 12 scores. Virginia Tech has the top defense in the ACC, holding opponents to just 15.8 points and 300 yards per-game.

Virginia Tech is scoring 31.4 poitns per-game this year, as the Hokies have been able to run the ball effectively this season. Ryan Williams has rushed for 1,538 yards and 19 touchdowns while Tyrod Taylor has run for 344 yards and thrown for 2,102 yards with 13 touchdown passes. The Volunteers are holding opponents to 21 points and 308 yards per-game this season on defense.

This game is intriguing because on paper, Virginia Tech seems to be the better team. But,

Tennessee has improved through the season. Whichever defense is able to impose its will early will likely come away with the win. Crompton and Taylor each have to avoid turnovers to help their team, and ultimately, I think Williams will be able to have a bigger day on the ground that Hardesty, which will give the Hokies an edge on offense. Look for this game to be low scoring, but for the Hokies to grind out a cover and a win.

Our Chick Fil-A Bowl Free Pick for this matchup is:

VIRGINIA TECH -5.5 and UNDER 48.5.
College Football Bowl Season Betting Trends
Top Trends for this game.

VIRGINIA TECH is 32-14 ATS (+16.6 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

VIRGINIA TECH is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

TENNESSEE is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Tennessee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Tennessee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Virginia Tech is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Virginia Tech is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

Bowl Season College Football Injury Report


TENNESSEE

No significant injuries.

VIRGINIA TECH

[CB] 12/24/2009 – Stephan Virgil expected to miss Thursday vs. Tennessee U ( Academics ) 
Chick Fil-A Bowl Odds
Tennessee Volunteers +5.5 Over 48.5 (+185)

Virginia Tech Hokies -5.5 Under 48.5 (-230)
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Posted: 12/31/09 4:00PM ET