Football Betting

Capitol One Bowl Betting – Big Ten looks to continue dominance

Posted on 12/1/2008 12:51:44 PM By Blake Frazier

Capital One Bowl odds: Last two years have been close

BLAKE’S PICK: Don't get fooled into picking the Spartans in the Michigan State vs Georgia odds. Michigan State had a pretty good season and has climbed the ranks in the Big Ten somewhat, but you have to wonder whether the team has improved or its conference simply grew much weaker. Georgia still had a very good season but lost its three key games: to Florida, to Alabama and to Georgia Tech. Outside of that, Georgia had a good year and should have significant advantages over the Michigan State in this game. Bet online with Georgia, as it should be able to shut down Michigan State’s one-dimensional offense.

The Bulldogs, who were the preseason No. 1, finished the season with a 9-3 record and second place in the SEC East. The Spartans were also 9-3, coming in third in the Big Ten. These two will meet in the Capitol One Bowl on January 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. ET in Orlando, FL.

• When:  January 1, 2009
• Sponsor: Capital One
• Stadium: Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL
• History: January 1, 1947 (Catawba 31 Maryville 0)

Last Five Years:

The Capital One Bowl began as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947, and it stayed under that name until 1982, when it was then known as the Citrus Bowl. In 2001, Capital One took control of one of the oldest non-BCS bowls, which traditionally features teams from the Big Ten and SEC.

Capital One Bowl betting could be tilted towards the powerful SEC this year, but as online betting players will tell you from last year’s experience, the Big Ten isn’t an underdog to be taken lightly. This year’s contest will take place on January 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Florida and eventual Heisman Trophy-winner Tim Tebow went into last season’s game as the No. 12 team in the nation and a 10.5-point Capital One Bowl betting favorites over Michigan, which had ended the regular season with two straight losses and were preparing to send off coach Lloyd Carr and a host of seniors.

The Wolverines scored 10 points in the final 4:12 and put up 524 yards on the Gators for a 41-35 win, carrying Carr off the field on their shoulders. The 76 points went well OVER the Capital One Bowl betting total of 60.5.

The SEC hasn't beaten the Big Ten in this game since 2004, when Georgia edged Purdue in overtime. This year, the Big Ten has drawn some criticism for being weak, and they will probably send Michigan State to this game to face a team like Georgia or LSU (whoever misses out on a BCS bid). Anyone other than Michigan State in this game and even Big Ten fans may have to bet online with the SEC team.

If you’re craving more bowl season betting and Capital One Bowl odds, check out the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.

Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.