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2011 Music City Bowl Overview

Jack Jones — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:16:37 +0000

Nashville is recognized as Music City, and the home of country music. In Nashville, Dec. 30 will showcase two up-and-coming college football programs in the Music City Bowl as Mississippi State of the SEC takes on Wake Forest of the ACC.

This will be the first time these two teams have met on the football field.

A quick look at the latest Music City Bowl odds shows Mississippi State favored by 7 points, while the total has been set at 48 points.

Mississippi State

Mississippi State had one of the toughest schedules in the country, but won six times to become bowl eligible. The school faced five teams ranked in the most recent top-25 polls, including No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama, losing all five times. Recently, MSU won the Egg Bowl vs. Ole Miss, 31-3. Overall, the Bulldogs were 3-3 away from home this year.

On defense, the Bulldogs rank 19th in the country in points given up (20 ppg), surrendering 356 yards per game (195 through the air, 161 via the run) while recording 21 sacks and enticing 20 turnovers two of which were taken back for scores (Johnathan Banks and Darius Slay, interceptions).

Cameron Lawrence leads the defense with 114 tackles (22 more than any other player), adding two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a recovery, while Fletcher Cox has four sacks, 49 stops, a forced fumble, a blocked kick and a fumble recovery. Banks has five picks, three forced fumbles and 64 tackles.

On offense, the Bulldogs rate 73rd in the nation in points scored (25 ppg) while totaling 355 yards per game (186 through the air, 169 via the run). Chris Relf and Tyler Russell have combined to complete 57 percent of their passes for 2,117 yards and 17 TDs with 11 interceptions.

Chris Smith and Arceto Clark anchor the pass-catching group with 58 combined receptions for 687 yards and five scores, while Vick Ballard leads the ground attack with 1,009 yards and eight touchdowns on 5.6 yards per tote.

Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons began the season 4-1, but struggled to a 1-4 finish to the year, capped by a 41-7 home loss to Vanderbilt in the regular-season finale. Wake tied for second in the ACC Atlantic Division (5-3). Overall, Wake was 2-3 away from home this season.

The Deacons rank 62nd nationally in points (27 ppg) while gaining 375 yards per game (256 through the air, 119 via the run). Tanner Price has connected on 61 percent of his passes for 2,803 yards and 20 TDs with six interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 29 sacks.

Chris Givens paces the receiving corps with 74 receptions for 1,276 yards and nine TDs, with Michael Campanaro adds 63 receptions for 705 yards and two scores. Brandon Pendergrass leads the running game with 750 yards and eight scores on 4.6 yards per attempt.

Defensively, Wake Forest ranks 70th in the nation in points allowed (28 ppg), allowing 399 yards per game (236 via the pass, 163 on the ground) while recording 10 sacks and enticing 17 turnovers.

Cyhl Quarles paces the defense with 96 stops (31 more than any other player), chipping in two fumble recoveries, while Josh Bush has six interceptions with 56 tackles. Kyle Wilber has 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, adding 65 tackles, a blocked kick and a fumble recovery.

To find out who is going to win this game check out the free college bowl picks at BetFirms. We have some of the top college football handicappers in the nation who offer their advice.

Feist’s Early Bowl Previews

Jack Jones — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:23:40 +0000

If you are ready to finish out your season on a strong note, then handicapper Jim Feist is here to help. There aren’t many handicappers in the business that have been around as long as Feist has, dating back almost thirty years making noise on the Vegas strip. Don’t try to beat the bowl game lines on your own this year. Instead trust the expertise of one of the hardest working handicappers in the business so you can have a better chance of making yourself a profit.

As 2008 draws to a close, we find ourselves smack in the middle of the bowls. You shouldn’t be bowled-out with bowl picks, either, as the bowls slowly build to the crescendo that is the Texas/Alabama showdown.

Poinsettia Bowl (Wed., Dec. 23): Utah (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) Coach Kyle Whittingham has another balanced, strong team, averaging 29 points, 157 yards rushing and 220 passing. Who’s behind center? Junior QB Terrance Cain (11 TDs, 5 INTs) started the first 7 games but Whittingham replaced him with freshman QB Jordan Wynn (5 TDs, 3 INTs) the last four games.

Despite eight wins, Cal (8-4 SU/4-7 ATS) has been as unpredictable as any team in the country. The offense has talent, with QB Kevin Riley (17 TDs, 6 INTs), averaging 29 points and 175 yards rushing, 223 passing behind RB Shane Vereen (830 yards) and junior RB Jahvid Best (867, 6.1 yards per carry). The Bears own a 5-1 SU, 3-3 ATS bowl record under Jeff Tedford, including last year’s 24-17 win over Miami in the Emerald Bowl as 10-point chalk.

Hawaii Bowl (Thurs., Dec. 24): Aloha! There is no Hawaii, for a change, but SMU Coach June Jones returns to the stadium he helped put on the map. The real story is the Nevada ground game. If you haven’t seen this incredible Wolf Pack rushing attack, tune in because it is something special. (Follow Jim on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JimFeistSports).

Nevada (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) is on an 8-1 SU/6-3 ATS run. Coach Chris Ault runs the “Pistol” offense with junior QB Colin Kaepernick (19 TDs, 5 INTs, 1,160 yards rushing, 7.8 ypc), junior RB Vai Taua (1,345 yards, 7.8 ypc) and senior RB Luke Lippincott (1,034 yards, 7.7 ypc). Yes, you read those numbers right – a trio of 1,000 yards rushers, each averaging over 7.7 yards per carry! This ground offense is something to behold, averaging 40 points and 362 yards rushing per game. They will run, while SMU (7-5) throws all the time, averaging 28 points and 267 yards passing.

Car Care Bowl (Sat., Dec. 26): Why isn’t the Care Car Bowl in Detroit? Regardless, a pair of dynamite defenses and former NFL coaches meet as Pitt takes on North Carolina. Pitt has a balanced offense with senior QB Bill Stull (21 TDs, 8 INTs) and Freshman of the Year RB Dion Lewis (1,640 yards, 5.5 ypc), while the defense has a great pass rush with Mick Williams and Greg Romeus, Co-Defensive Players of the Year. They come into this one on a two-game skid, including a loss to Cincinnati, 45-44, for the Big East Championship, blowing a 31-17 halftime lead. Dave Wannstedt called it “a heartbreaking loss.”

North Carolina (8-4 SU, 6-4 ATS) has a shaky offense but a solid defense, led by junior QB T.J. Yates (12 TDs, 14 picks). Coach Butch Davis simplified the offense down the stretch with a line battered by injuries. Carolina had the ACC’s top defense and ranks sixth in the country, allowing just 267.8 yards per game. The Tar Heels have won five straight over ranked teams dating back to last season.

Music City Bowl (Sun., Dec. 27): Kentucky (7-5 SU/6-5 ATS) had all kinds of injury problems, but persevered under Coach Rich Brooks making a bowl. They were an underdog to Auburn and Georgia and won both convincingly. Kentucky lost their starting QB, as Mike Hartline (6 TDs, 7 picks) has a serious left knee injury, so freshman Morgan Newton (5 TDs, 3 picks) has taken over as the starter.

The offense is run-first and averages 27 points and 193 yards rushing behind junior RB Derrick Locke (843 yds) and Randall Cobb (537, 6.4 ypc). Hartline could participate in some practice drills and may be available. They still have one of the SEC’s worst defenses against the run, something Clemson will attack with RB C.J. Spiller (1,145 yds, 5.7 ypc). Clemson (8-5 SU/7-5 ATS) caught fire under relatively new coach Dabo Swinney, riding a 6-0 SU, 4-1 ATS midseason run, then fell flat the last two games, losing 34-17 at South Carolina and 39-34 to Georgia Tech in the ACC title game. For those focused on college football picks and totals, note that Clemson is on a 5-0 run over the total.

Independence Bowl (Mon., Dec. 28): Texas A&M (6-6 SU/ATS) Coach Mike Sherman has a strong offense behind junior QB Jerrod Johnson (28 TDs, 6 picks), who ran for 455 yards, freshman WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (670 yards) along with freshman RB Christine Michael (767 yds, 5.1 ypc) and soph RB Cyrus Gray (752 yds). This offense is smoking, averaging 34 points, 190 yards rushing and 274 passing. The defense is terrible, giving up 32.7 ppg. They are 8-4 over the total.

Georgia (7-5 SU/4-7 ATS) had an up and down season, with a shaky offense under senior QB Joe Cox (22 TDs, 14 picks). That’s a lot of picks with a talented playmaker like 6-foot-4 sophomore WR A.J. Green (751 yds) to work with. Green, the SEC’s leading receiver, has a sprained left shoulder and didn’t play in the last two games. He is questionable for this game. More college football picks tidbits: The Bulldogs are 3-0 SU/ATS the last three years in bowls.

2009 College Bowl Previews: December 23rd-28th

Jack Jones — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:35:23 +0000

Bowl season is starting to pick up and Jim Feist wants to give you the heads up on making your college bowl picks this week. Here Jim provides some very useful information on each team in each match up. Remember that you can check the most up-to-date lines for all of these games with our college bowl odds.

Poinsettia Bowl (Wed., Dec. 23): Utah (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) Coach Kyle Whittingham has another balanced, strong team, averaging 29 points, 157 yards rushing and 220 passing. Who’s behind center? Junior QB Terrance Cain (11 TDs, 5 INTs) started the first 7 games but Whittingham replaced him with freshman QB Jordan Wynn (5 TDs, 3 INTs) the last four games.

Hawaii Bowl (Thurs., Dec. 24): Aloha! There is no Hawaii, for a change, but SMU Coach June Jones returns to the stadium he helped put on the map. The real story is the Nevada ground game. If you haven’t seen this incredible Wolf Pack rushing attack, tune in because it is something special.

Car Care Bowl (Sat., Dec. 26): Why isn’t the Care Car Bowl in Detroit? Regardless, a pair of dynamite defenses and former NFL coaches meet as Pitt takes on North Carolina. Pitt has a balanced offense with senior QB Bill Stull (21 TDs, 8 INTs) and Freshman of the Year RB Dion Lewis (1,640 yards, 5.5 ypc), while the defense has a great pass rush with Mick Williams and Greg Romeus, Co-Defensive Players of the Year. They come into this one on a two-game skid, including a loss to Cincinnati, 45-44, for the Big East Championship, blowing a 31-17 halftime lead. Dave Wannstedt called it “a heartbreaking loss.”

Music City Bowl (Sun., Dec. 27): Kentucky (7-5 SU/6-5 ATS) had all kinds of injury problems, but persevered under Coach Rich Brooks making a bowl. They were an underdog to Auburn and Georgia and won both convincingly. Kentucky lost their starting QB, as Mike Hartline (6 TDs, 7 picks) has a serious left knee injury, so freshman Morgan Newton (5 TDs, 3 picks) has taken over as the starter.

Independence Bowl (Mon., Dec. 28): Texas A&M (6-6 SU/ATS) Coach Mike Sherman has a strong offense behind junior QB Jerrod Johnson (28 TDs, 6 picks), who ran for 455 yards, freshman WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (670 yards) along with freshman RB Christine Michael (767 yds, 5.1 ypc) and soph RB Cyrus Gray (752 yds). This offense is smoking, averaging 34 points, 190 yards rushing and 274 passing. The defense is terrible, giving up 32.7 ppg. They are 8-4 over the total.

2006 Music City Bowl Odds

Jack Jones — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:16:06 +0000

After early hopes of winning the ACC, Clemson is favored over Kentucky in the 2006 Music City Bowl odds. Clemson was as high as no. 10 in the nation earlier in the year, but fell off late by losing three of four. The last game of the season was an exclamation to the season as they blew a 14 point second half lead to their in-state rivals in South Carolina.

The problems Clemson faced at the end of the season can be attributed to the downturn in the running game. The team gained only 156.8 ypg on the ground over their last 4, which was 100 below it’s season average. After 27 rushing TDs in their first 8 games, the Tigers managed only 4 in their last 4. The good news is that Kentucky’s run defense allowed an SEC-high 189 ypg.

Kentucky may be a side note in the SEC, but after going 7-5 they are making their first bowl appearance since 1999. The team has Andre Woodson who many regard as the best quarterback in the SEC, and he led the conference with 3,216 passing yards and 28 TDs. It will be tough for him to put up a big game against a defense that ranked 15th in the nation by allowing 15.2 ppg and only 166.8 ypg through the air.

Can Clemson get up for this game even though they had higher hopes earlier in the year, or will a bowl-hungry Wildcat team take care of business. Check out our NCAA Bowl Picks today and start making money.

2006 Music City Bowl Odds:

Clemson -9.5 -105 at Pinnacle
Kentucky +10 -115 at Bodog

UNDER 58 -101 at Pinnacle
OVER 57.5 -110 at VIP

Widow’s 2008 Music City Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:31:02 +0000

When it comes to beating the bowl game odds there are only a very few who can keep up with the pace set by Black Widow. Last night one of his bowl picks was on Vanderbilt in the 2008 Music City Bowl, and once again his clients cashed a winning ticket. Let’s see why he liked Vandy so much to beat BC:

4* on Vanderbilt +5

Vanderbilt has the home-field advantage here playing in Nashville, TN which is the home town of their campus. With Vandy playing at home against a Boston College team in for a letdown, we’ll take the points in this Music City Bowl. Boston College had their shot at a BCS game with a win over Virginia Tech in the ACC title game, but they were out-played badly in a 12-30 setback. Now they have to play a Vanderbilt team in the Music City Bowl that won only 6 games this year, and there’s no chance in hell the Golden Eagles will be emotionally ready. They go from a chance to play one of the best teams in the country, to playing a team that just won the minimum amount of games possible to become bowl eligible. When you look at the numbers, Boston College is the better team. But it’s the outside factors that will lead to a win for the Commodores here. 1.) Home-Field. 2.) Vandy wants to be here, while BC does not. 3.) This is Vandy’s first bowl appearance in 26 years, so you can bet they’ll be extra hungry for a win. These motivational factors are the sole reason why Vandy stays right with BC, winning outright in the end. Vandy is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992. Vandy is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games after failing to cover the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games since 1992. After a tough finish to the season, Vandy can regroup and come out to play their best game of the season behind great support from their home fans. Take Vanderbilt and the points.

InfoPlays 2008 Music City Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:28:56 +0000

With the 2008 Music City Bowl the Info Plays team found yet another mismatch with their rankings and systems compared to the bowl game odds and the beneficiaries were their clients. Chalk up another winner for their bowl picks as they rode Vanderbilt to another winning ticket. Let’s see why they were so big on the Commodores:

Reasons why Vanderbilt covers the spread Wednesday:

1.) Vanderbilt is simply happier to be here. Boston College had high hopes of making a BCS Game had they won the ACC Championship vs. Virginia Tech. But they blew their opportunity with a terrible performance, and now they will have a hard time getting up for a 6-6 Vanderbilt team in the Music City Bowl Wednesday. BC may be the better team on paper, but Vanderbilt comes from a tougher conference in the SEC and they are very happy to be playing in this bowl game.

2.) Home-field advantage for the Commodores. This game is played in Nashville, Tennessee which is the home state of Vanderbilt. They will draw more fans because the Commodore faithful is excited to see their team in a bowl for the first time in 26 years. Boston College won’t bring nearly as many fans for this game as they would for a BCS contest because their fans are not very excited to see the Eagles playing a 6-6 Vanderbilt team.

3.) System Play. We’ll Play Against – Neutral field favorites (BOSTON COLLEGE) – in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences, with an inexperienced QB as starter. This is a 40-15 ATS System hitting 72.7% over the last 10 seasons. Boston College had to rely on a freshman QB in their final few games after starter Chris Crane went down to injury. This freshman QB has been their downfall, as the Eagles turned the ball over 4 times in their loss to Virginia Tech in the ACC title game. Vandy will feast off of turnovers in this game, and they’ll take care of the football like they have all season to come up with a win in their first bowl appearance in 26 years. Bet Vanderbilt in the Music City Bowl playing at home.

Martin’s 2008 Music City Bowl Game Odds

Jack Jones — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:25:18 +0000

John Martin was a top five football handicapper this season and with his bowl picks he is picking up right where he left off during the regular season. There are only a few young talents that have shown as much promise as Martin has at beating the bowl game odds. Let’s take a look at why he liked Vanderbilt over Boston College in the 2008 Music City Bowl:

3 Unit Sharp Play on Vanderbilt +4.5

I love Vanderbilt catching points with the home-field advantage Wednesday. This game is played in Nashville, Tennessee and the Commodores will bring plenty of fans with their campus not far from the site of this contest. Commodore country is hungry for a bowl win, as they finally ended their long bowl appearance drought by winning 6 games this season. Boston College had the better year, but I know they will not be up for this game. The Golden Eagles had high hopes of winning the ACC, but they lost to Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game and fell short of a BCS Bowl berth. So BC will be extremely let down to be playing in this Motor City Bowl, while Vanderbilt will relish the opportunity. The Eagles won’t even show up, and Vandy wins this game outright. Vanderbilt is 22-7 ATS in road games after playing their last game on the road since 1992. Cash in with the Commodores as the underdog.

Burns 2008 Music City Bowl Game Lines

Jack Jones — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:23:17 +0000

When it comes to making winning college football bowl picks the expert handicapper Ben Burns has years of experience and makes all the right moves. Last night was just another occasion of him beating the bowl game lines, when he took the points with Vanderbilt in the 2008 Music City Bowl. Let’s see why he was on the Commodores over Boston College:

I’m taking the points with VANDERBILT. The Eagles bring the better record to the table. However, the Commodores played in the extremely tough SEC, so there 6-6 record is arguably a lot better than some of the other 6-6 teams.

Yes, the Commodores did struggle down the stretch. I successfully played against them in their losses vs. Mississippi State and Tennessee, so its not like I am unaware of their second half problems. Again, they were playing against some of the best teams in the country though and now they’ve had plenty of time to recover from that gruelling schedule. I expect the Commodores to enter today’s game “fresh,” much like they were at the beginning of the season.

While the Eagles may be somewhat disappointed, without question, the Commodores will be extremely excited to be here and motivated to play well. After all, their players weren’t even alive the last time (1982) that the Commodores played in a bowl game. As coach Bobby Johnson said: “I’m excited, our staff is excited and our players are excited about getting a chance to experience a bowl game. Getting to play in the Gaylord Music City Bowl is a fantastic reward for this football team and Vanderbilt University.” Let’s not forget that Vanderbilt beat teams like Mississippi, Kentucky, South Carolina and Auburn this season.

While the Eagles do boast an excellent defense, their offense has struggled to replace Matt Ryan and they enter today’s game still with questions at quarterback – much like Vanderbilt. Overall, the Eagles have averaged just 318 yards of offense, which makes covering more than a field goal away from home tough. Note that Boston College, is 5-8 ATS the last 13 times that it was favored in the -3.5 to -10 range. Conversely, Vanderbilt is 4-1 ATS the last five times it was an underdog in the +3.5 to +10 range and 7-2 ATS its last nine in the underdog role overall. After getting crushed by Virginia Tech in the ACC Title game, Boston College is 0-4 ATS its last four in December. With this game being played in Nashville, look for a highly inspired effort from the Commodores as they take this game down to the wire and earn at least the cover. *Main Event

Boyd’s 2008 Music City Bowl Game Odds

Jack Jones — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:19:19 +0000

One of the top experts in the country this year has been Jimmy Boyd of Locksmith Sports. Once again he struck gold for his clients, this time in the 2008 Music City Bowl when he took at look at the bowl game odds and decided that there was value in the UNDER. Well the defenses played a big roles in the game and once again his bowl picks cashed in for clients. Don’t worry though because he still has plenty more locked and loaded to finish off the season, so you can still make plenty of cash over your sportsbook to finish off the football season. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons he pinpointed this under that hit so easily:

4* Major New Year’s Even “TOTAL” DOMINATOR (Music City Bowl) on BC/Vandy UNDER 41

Vandy is 17-6 UNDER in all lined games over the last 2 seasons and 8-1 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points over the last 2 seasons. Vandy scored 14 or fewer points in 6 of its last 7 games. The Commodores also went under the number in 7 of their last 9 games. Vandy does not have enough offense to send this one over.

Altemus 2008 Music City Bowl Picks

Jack Jones — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:17:06 +0000

Evan Altemus is really turning it on with his college football bowl picks to finish off the season, cashing another easy winner last night with Vanderbilt over Boston College. Let’s take a look at how he came to the conclusion the Commodores were the play after analyzing the bowl game odds:

Vanderbilt hasn’t been to a bowl game since 1982 and hasn’t won a bowl since 1955. The Commodores have billed this game as the biggest ever in their program. Obviously, they are going bring their best effort and then some to this game. This game is the situation that Vanderbilt is best at, facing a team that doesn’t match their motivation and intensity. Boston College is glad to be in a bowl game, but they lost the ACC Championship for the second straight season, ruining their hopes for an Orange Bowl bid. In addition, the Eagles are without their starting quarterback, Chris Crane, who is out for the season with a broken collarbone. Back-up Dominique Davis is a significant drop off in talent, especially since the Eagles would prefer to throw the ball. Vanderbilt has an edge in athletes in this game, as they have more overall team speed. In addition, the Commodores get to play essentially a home game, as their campus is in downtown Nashville. Look for Vanderbilt to use their extra motivation and focus to get the win in their home city.
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