2009 Chick Fil-A Bowl Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech Start Time, TV Guide & Odds
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 Atlanta.
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 Tennessee +4.5 (View College Football bet percentages).
On Dec. 1, 2008, a backsliding Tennessee program turned to Kiffin - fired by the Oakland Raiders four games into the 2008 season. He was hired after Fulmer was forced out, having reached only one SEC title game in his final four years after making five from 1997-2004 and winning a national championship in 1998.
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 Tennessee is moving in the right direction.
"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. Tennessee averaged 33.0 points and 410.0 yards in those games, with quarterback Jonathon Crompton improving down the stretch while senior Montario Hardesty finished with 1,306 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.
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 Kentucky to finish tied for second in the SEC East.
Safety Eric Berry - named the Jim Thorpe Award winner as the country's best defensive back - anchors the Tennessee defense. The Atlanta native was second on the team with 83 tackles, six for losses, to go with his two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Berry's 14 interceptions rank fifth in school history and third among active NCAA players.
As Kiffin tries to rebuild Tennessee, coach Frank Beamer continues to keep Virginia Tech humming. The Hokies (9-3) are appearing in a bowl for the 17th consecutive year, the third-longest active streak among FBS teams.
After finishing second to Georgia Tech in the ACC's Coastal Division, Virginia Tech makes its third trip to Atlanta in 2009 after a season-opening 34-24 defeat to Alabama in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game and a 28-23 loss to the Yellow Jackets on Oct. 17.
"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 Tennessee says a lot about the quality of this game. We feel like we've got one of the most compelling matchups outside the BCS."
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 Georgia in 2006. It's Tennessee's first appearance since 2003 and fifth all-time.
The Vols lead the series 5-2, but the schools have not met since 1994.
2009 Chick Fil-A Bowl
Teams: Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech
Kickoff: Dec. 31, 2009 at 7:30PM ET
Venue: Georgia Dome
TV: ESPN
Odds:
Tennessee +4.5 Over 50 (+170)
Virginia Tech -4.5 Under 50 (-200)
2009 Chick Fil-A Bowl Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech Picks & Predictions
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.
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)