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