2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl Odds: Virginia Tech v. Tennessee Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 29, 2009

The 9-3 Virginia Tech Hokies take on the 9-3 Tennessee Volunteers on ESPN New Year’s Eve in the 2009 edition of the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia. College football odds makers have listed Virginia Tech as a 6-point favorite with the total set at 49.5.

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On October 24th, the Tennessee Volunteers played the No. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to a two point game on the road that came down to the final play. That game served as a confidence booster for the Vols as it showed them that they could play with anyone. Tennessee enters having one four of its last five games, averaging 33 points and 410 yards in those contests. QB Jonathan Crompton really played well down the stretch and running back Montario Hardesty starred, finishing the season with 1,306 yards and 12 scores. 586 of his yards and six of his scores came in those final five games.

Tennessee boasts a talented defense led by safety Eric Berry, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the country’s best defensive back. Berry finished 83 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Six of his tackles were for a loss. Berry’s 14 career interceptions are good for fifth in school history and third among active players. It is worth noting that the Hokies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0 points. If you think the Vols can continue their strong play, bet Tennessee at +6 at BetUS.

Coach Frank Beamer has turned Virginia Tech into a perennial powerhouse. The Hokies are making their 17th straight bowl appearance, which is good for the third-longest active streak in the country.

Offensively, the Hokies are led by star tailback Ryan Williams. Williams rushed for 1,538 yards on his way to ACC rookie of the year accolades. His yardage total is good for the eighth-most by a freshman in NCAA history. Williams also set an ACC freshman mark with 20 total touchdowns. Like Hardesty, Williams was at his best down the stretch when he ran for 608 yards and nine touchdowns in Virginia Tech’s season-ending four-game winning streak.

QB Tyrod Taylor performed well in his first full season as a starter. He finished with 2,102 yards and 13 touchdowns against only four interceptions. He and Williams will try to lead the Hokies to their sixth win over Tennessee in eight career meetings.

Defensively, the Hokies are a respectable unit as well, ranking 11th in the nation in scoring defense (15.8 points allowed) and 14th in total defense (300.1 yards allowed). The Hokies were particularly stingy against the pass, ranking 6th in the country while allowing just 161.4 yards per game. It is worth noting that the Volunteers are 4-16-2 ATS in their last 22 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0 points. If you like the Hokies to take care of business on New Year’s Eve, bet Virginia Tech at -6 at BetUS.

Jimmy Boyd has dominated the bowl season each of the last two years, finishing the 2007-08 bowl season on a 14-5 run and the 2008-09 season on a 10-4 home stretch run. Crush your book again this year through the BCS Championship Game with Jimmy’s expert football picks!

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