Chick-fil-A Bowl Betting – Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee

Chick Fil-A Bowl

Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3 SU, 4-7 ATS) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Thursday, December 31: 7:30 p.m.

BetOnline.com Betting Odds: Virginia Tech -4 ½, Total Points 49 ½

Here are some betting trends which may impact this game:

Virginia Tech: 9-2 SU in their last 11 games
Virginia Tech: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
Virginia Tech: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 6 games

Tennessee: 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Tennessee: 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games
Tennessee: The total has gone UNDER 4 of their last 5 games

One of the best games every bowl season takes place on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta, in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. This year, is no different as Tennessee and Virginia Tech square off in the last college football game in 2009.

Virginia Tech Hokies @ Tennessee Volunteers (+4 ½ ) >> Join Now

The last time Virginia Tech visited the Georgia Dome, they left with a humbling loss to Alabama. They have improved immensely since that game however, in large part because of a balanced offense. Tyrod Taylor leads the attack at quarterback, as he’s thrown for 2100 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Taylor is a running threat as well, as the Hokies second leading rusher at 344 yards on the season. However, the bulk of those carries go to one of the most impressive tailbacks in college football, freshman Ryan Williams. Williams was the ACC’s top rusher this year, gaining 1538 yards on the ground, and scoring 19 touchdowns.

Speaking of phenomenal tailbacks, Tennessee has one of their own in Montario Hardesty. The senior had a great season under first year coach Lane Kiffin. On the year, he rushed for 1306 yards and 12 touchdowns. Freshman Bryce Brown is a threat running the ball as well. And finally we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the great 2009 that senior Jonathan Crompton had. After struggling his entire career, Crompton put it all together this year, throwing for 2500 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Both teams also have spectacular defenses. Virginia Tech’s is deep and aggressive, holding opponents to less than 16 points a game. Not to be outdone, Tennessee is good as well, allowing just 21 points a game in the rugged SEC. The two best defensive coordinators in all of college football might be coaching in this game, Bud Foster at Tech, and Monte Kiffin at Tennessee.

What this game will likely come down to is how Taylor handles pressure. He has been good for the most part this year, but has struggled against aggressive, blitzing defenses, like Alabama and North Carolina. While Virginia Tech still wants to beat you with the legs of Williams, having a passing game to compliment him is key.

While the college football betting odds say to take Virginia Tech, I’m telling you to take Tennessee. Remember, the younger Kiffin coached for several years on the staff of Pete Carroll, widely considered to be the best bowl coach in the game.

The Volunteers also improved immensely from the beginning of the year until the end. With a month to prepare for this game, it will likely be their best of the season.

Aaron´s Pick: Tennessee +4 ½