NCAA Football
2011-10-29 - Clemson Tigers at Georgia Tech
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NCAA Football Week 9
Saturday 29 October 2011 - Kick Off 8pm ET
1am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The game represents a big ACC meeting between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-2) who are second in the Coastal Division as they host the unbeaten Clemson Tigers (8-0) who lead the Atlantic Division. Georgia Tech are 3-2 in Conference play this season, Clemson are 5-0.
It is very possible that both teams could be competing in the ACC Championship game, although Clemson must be thinking of much bigger things, even if the fans have been waiting for the annual letdown the team provides. With a bye week following this game, the Tigers have some big games still left on the schedule as they face the 3 schools immediately below them in the Atlantic Division to end the season.
Georgia Tech looked like the cream of the Coastal Division after opening the season with 6 straight wins, but back to back defeats against Virginia and the Miami Hurricanes has really deflated the mood in the camp, while another defeat here could spell the end of their chances to win this Division.
The Yellow Jackets have a powerful Offense that should be given an opportunity to have success, particularly on the ground, against this Clemson Defense. Georgia Tech have been making hay running the ball, going at 5.9 yards per carry and I expect they will be able to move the chains using their triple option out of the backfield.
Clemson have two ways of slowing this down- one is to load the box as Miami did last week and force the Yellow Jackets to beat them through the air, the other is to take a big lead and make Georgia Tech need to score quickly to get back into the game.
Tevin Washington has 9 rushing TDs on the season at the QB position for Georgia Tech, but he has struggled throwing the ball with under a 50% completion rate and things will not be easy for him if he is forced to throw the ball as the Tigers also have a fierce pass rush, even if they have struggled to stop teams consistently in the last few games.
Clemson will look for Tajh Boyd to continue his fine form this season where he has thrown 24 TD passes and only 3 Interceptions, while also running for another 4 TDs. Boyd will need to be helped by the rushing game to keep the team into short and manageable situations as the Yellow Jackets have been strong against the pass this season and have also managed to get a good pass rush.
Georgia Tech could be facing a big injury in their Offensive Line as Jay Finch (C) is questionable for this game having come out of the loss to Miami early. Tyler Morgan (LS) is another player listed as doubtful after he missed the game with Miami.
Clemson will be pleased that Andre Ellington (RB) did not suffer a serious injury against North Carolina State last week and is probable for this week. Dwayne Allen (TE) is another who should be good to go this week and he is a big presence for this Offense as he already has 5 TDs receiving this season.
Head to Head
Clemson beat Georgia Tech at home last season, the first time they had beaten the Yellow Jackets since 2006.
Georgia Tech have won their last 3 home games against the Tigers, although they are just 1-4 against the spread in the last 5 games in the series.
The underdog is 13-4 against the spread in the last 17 games in the series.
The road team is 9-4 against the spread in the last 13 games in the series.
Georgia Tech are 4-3-1 against the spread this season, Clemson are 7-1.
Other Interesting Trends
Georgia Tech are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games as the home underdog.
They are 4-15-2 against the spread in their last 21 games against a team with a winning record on the road.
Clemson have won their last 7 games against the spread in Conference play.
They have won their last 4 games against the spread on the road.
Prediction
This is another game that I have liked for much of the week, but I was waiting in hope and anticipation that the line would come down to just a field goal and so now I am willing to bite on Clemson to win this game for the following reasons:
First, I think Georgia Tech have to be a little flat after losing their last 2 games that has left them in a little bit of a hole to win the Coastal Division.
Second, Clemson's Offense should be able to put up points against this Georgia Tech Defense as they have playmakers that can run the ball as well as Tajh Boyd who is playing very well at the QB position.
Third, Georgia Tech could find it hard to play catch up if they fall behind by a couple of scores in the second half as their passing game is not quite up to scratch, even against a Clemson Defense that struggled in some games.
The Pick :
Georgia Tech 24-34 Clemson Tigers
