Last Updated on December 17, 2009 3:36 pm by drew
Chick Fil-A Bowl
Atlanta, GA – There’s no question Lane Kiffin’s brash style has shaken Tennessee from its doldrums that marked the end of predecessor Phillip Fulmer’s tenure.
The Volunteers put aside many off-field distractions to close the season strong, though there’s another one lurking as they wrap up Kiffin’s first season at the Chick-fil-A Bowl against 12th-ranked Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve in
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made Virginia Tech -4.5 point spread favorites (View College Football odds) for the Thursday, Dec. 31 game (Game Matchup). Current public betting information shows that 51% of bets for this game have been placed on
On Dec. 1, 2008, a backsliding
The outspoken Kiffin has had a series of public gaffes and missteps. Among them was a reprimand from the SEC following his criticism of officials after a 12-10 loss at No. 1 Alabama that came down to the final play, arguably the Crimson Tide’s toughest win en route to the BCS title game.
Recently, the NCAA has begun an investigation into the school’s Orange Pride group for possible off-campus recruiting violations, though Kiffin thinks the increased scrutiny means
"I think when it comes to recruiting, we’re at the highest level, and I think that people really want to know what we’re doing," Kiffin said. "They want to know how are we able to get interest from so many great players, and sign so many great players, so I think you have a lot of people coming at us."
On the field, the Oct. 24 loss to the Crimson Tide may have been a turning point for the Volunteers (7-5), who have since won four of five games.
Hardesty rushed for 586 yards and six TDs in the final five games, including 179 yards and three scores as the Vols closed the regular season with a 30-24 overtime victory at
Safety Eric Berry – named the Jim Thorpe Award winner as the country’s best defensive back – anchors the
As Kiffin tries to rebuild
After finishing second to Georgia Tech in the ACC’s Coastal Division, Virginia Tech makes its third trip to
"This really is a dream matchup," said Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan. "To have the opportunity to host two nationally significant and traditional teams in Virginia Tech and
Like the Vols, the Hokies feature a standout tailback. Ryan Williams rushed for 1,538 yards, eighth-most by a freshman in NCAA history, en route to ACC rookie of the year honors. Williams set a freshman conference record with 20 overall touchdowns.
"I have to give a lot of credit to the offensive line and the wide receivers and the fullbacks because they helped pave the way for a lot of stats I got this year," said Williams, who ran for 608 yards and nine scores as the Hokies ended the regular season on a four-game win streak.
In his first season as a full-time quarterback, Tyrod Taylor better established himself as a pocket passer and finished with career highs of 2,102 yards and 13 touchdowns while throwing only four interceptions in 226 attempts. He did run for 738 yards as a sophomore in 2008, but also was picked off seven times in 173 passes.
Virginia Tech is making its fourth Chick-fil-A Bowl appearance and first since a 31-24 loss to
The Vols lead the series 5-2, but the schools have not met since 1994.
2009 Chick Fil-A Bowl
Teams:
Kickoff: Dec. 31, 2009 at 7:30PM ET
Venue: Georgia Dome
TV: ESPN
Odds:
Virginia Tech -4.5 Under 50 (-200)
Posted: 12/17/09 3:36PM ET