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Clemson vs Nebraska Football Odds: 2009 Gator Bowl Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

gator-bowl-odds-123108 The 2009 Gator Bowl features the Clemson Tigers out of the ACC and the Nebraska Cornhuskers from the Big 12. Clemson had high expectations coming into this season. After a 3-3 start, head coach Tommy Bowden stepped down in favor of Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have been more successful since, though it is hard to place the blame fully on Bowden’s shoulders for the slow start. Nebraska also started out their 2008 campaign rather slowly, but finished strong by winning 5 of their last 6 games. Oddsmakers have set Clemson as 2.5 point favorites over Nebraska with the total set at 56 points.

Offensively, Clemson has a solid group of skill players, but they’ve been inconsistent throughout the season, especially on the road. Overall the Tigers are scoring 25.5 points per game and 339 total yards per game on offense. They had the best passing offense in the ACC with 219 yards per game, but their points per game ranked them just sixth in the conference, mostly because of turnovers. To win against Nebraska this team really needs to minimize their mistakes. They are the more talented team from top to bottom, but if they can’t execute, that talent doesn’t mean much.

Clemson had a stellar year defensively, albeit in a low-scoring conference. The Tigers ranked 10th in the nation in points allowed per game this season with just 16.9 and 17th in the nation in total offensive yards allowed with 294.8. The defense’s bad games came against Alabama (34 points allowed) and Florida State (41 points allowed), but beyond that they have been a solid group. This will be a good match up against a potent Nebraska offense. Clemson’s performance on defense could very well decide the game.

The Cornhuskers had an excellent season on offense this year. Nebraska racked up an impressive 458 yards per game, which lead to a hefty 36.2 points per game. The Huskers have one of the most efficient passing offenses in the nation, throwing for 69.4% and 284 yards per game as a team. That’s not to say Nebraska is one-dimensional, however, as their rushing offense was able to average 174 yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry. Again, the key factor in this game will come down to whether or not Clemson can hold this offense off. So far, only one team has held the Huskers under 28 points on the season (Missouri held them to 17). Nebraska is a 2.5 point underdog in the Gator Bowl.

Defense is where the Huskers faltered this year, allowing 29.2 points per game and 361 total yards per game. Nebraska didn’t have any particular strength or weakness as far as stopping the run or the pass, they were just marginal at both. The Husker defense didn’t really have to be good this season as the offense carried most of the load, but against a strong Clemson defense, Nebraska may have to do more on the defensive side of the ball to walk away victorious.

Both teams finished their seasons strong and both are playing in a New Year’s Day Bowl, which most teams would consider a success. Clemson may be facing some disappointment because of their high pre-season ranking, but after their slow start, I would imagine they are content with their bowl selection. The Huskers seem to be making moves in the right direction, at least on the offensive side of the ball, as they try to restore Nebraska to the glory days.

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Written by Steve Janus on December 31, 2008 · Filed Under College Football Betting Articles, News & Previews

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