Georgia Tech Slim Favorites To Put The Ramblin Wreck On Clemson

Sports News - December 4th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

The build up and hype of the ACC Championship game took a hit last week as both Georgia Tech and Clemson lost to their in state rivals. Still, much is still on the line Saturday night as neither team has claimed an ACC crown in over a decade. Both teams will be looking to cement their name on the trophy and earn their way as an Automatic Qualifier for a BCS Bowl game.

Clemson will be looking to exact some revenge in a rematch from September in which the Yellow Jackets downed the Tigers 30-27. In that game, Georgia Tech jumped out to a quick 24-0 before Clemson reeled off 27 straight points to take the lead into the fourth quarter. A pair of Georgia Tech field goals in the closing quarter elevated the Jackets over the Tigers in a Thursday night showdown.

The game was so close, and the teams so evenly matched, that odd makers have set the College Football Betting Lines with Georgia Tech as a 1 point favorite over the Tigers Saturday night. As found at Bodog Sportsbook, the total on the game is set at an over/under of 55 points.

Georgia Tech has won five of the last six games against Clemson and will be looking for that streak to continue. Also worth noting is the fact that 11 of the past 14 contests between these two teams have been decided by five or less points. Other trends to consider is that the underdog is 13-2 ATS in the last 15 contests between these two, which would favor Clemson.

In addition to those series trends, Georgia Tech is 7-2 in their last nine games against the spread, while Clemson is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 conference games.

Both teams will be relying on the familiarity of one another in scheming for their contest.

“You know, we know their personnel well,” said Clemson guard Thomas Austin. “We've gone against those guys the last couple years and this season, but from a schematic standpoint, we know what they do, they know what we do, so I think for us it'll just be a matter of not trying to hide things but just doing what we do a little bit better.”

Put on display in this game will be the ACC's top two scoring offenses with potent rushing attacks, making defensive stops a premium.

Georgia Tech will also have their hands full with return specialist and running back C. J Spiller.

Spiller, who was voted ACC player of the year has averaged nearly 184 all purpose yards per game this season. He has accounted for a touchdown five different ways this season; running, receiving, throwing, kickoff return and a punt return and has scored at least once in each of Clemson's 12 games this year.

Georgia Tech has put up some great offensive numbers this season as well, but is coming off it's worst showing of the year last week against rival Georgia when they produced a season low 234 yards rushing. The Jackets had a very slim outside chance at making it to the BCS Championship game had they beaten Georgia, win the ACC over Clemson and have a couple pieces fall into place, but that door has since slammed shut.

Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson knows the Yellow Jackets still have a lot to be proud of, and a lot to play for and hopes his team can execute effectively against Clemson for the second time this season.

“You know, I think they've improved a whole lot offensively since they've played us,” Johnson said in a conference. “I hope that we've gotten better, too. If we haven't, it's going to be ugly."