Football Betting

Chick-fil-A Bowl betting rising to prominence

Posted on 12/1/2008 1:30:09 PM By Blake Frazier

Chick-fil-A Bowl odds: A third thriller in a row?

BLAKE'S PICK: Chick-Fil-A Bowl betting has the Yellow Jackets as 4.5-point favorites, and they will be looking to avenge a 28-14 loss to LSU in this same bowl back in 2000. The Tigers will have their hands full with Georgia Tech’s option offense, led by the third-best ground game in the nation. LSU’s defense, despite finishing 16th against the run, hasn’t been as stout as in previous years, and the Yellow Jackets will be boosted by their upset win at rival Georgia, another SEC team, to end the season. Bet online with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

The Tigers will not be able to defend their BCS championship, coming in third in the SEC West with a 7-5 record. The Yellow Jackets were second in the ACC Coastal at 9-3. These two will meet in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl on December 31, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta, GA. 

• When: December 31, 2008
• Sponsor: Chick-fil-A
• Stadium: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA
• History: December 30, 1968 (LSU 31 Florida State 27)
• Most Appearances: Clemson, North Carolina State (tie) (7)
• Most Wins: LSU, North Carolina State (4)

Last Five Years:

Chick-fil-A Bowl betting may not be coupled in with the BCS series bowls, however in many ways, it is bigger. Formerly known as the Peach Bowl, the annual clash hosted in Atlanta, Georgia has grown to become one of the most lucrative football events in North America, drawing huge numbers of fans and NCAA football betting enthusiasts.

To put it into perspective how big 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl odds will be, the 2007 version garnered the highest ratings of any bowl game broadcast by ESPN. The No.  21 Auburn Tigers took on the No. 15 Clemson Tigers in last year’s edition, which turned out to be one of the most thrilling Chick-fil-A Bowls of all-time. Auburn entered the game as a significant underdog on NCAA football lines, debuting a new spread offense and a rookie quarterback.

Kodi Burns stepped in and ran a whopping 90 plays in the new offense, accumulating 423 yards. Clemson’s normally stellar defense was worn down over the course of the game and, fittingly, it was Burns who ran in a seven-yard touchdown in overtime to win the game and cover the Chick-fil-A Bowl spread.

However, the game wouldn’t be as enormous as it is today if it weren’t for the 1986 Peach Bowl matchup between the No. 18 NC State Wolfpack and Virginia Tech Hokies. After losing more than $100,000 in the previous three seasons, Peach Bowl promoters needed a thriller in order for the game to profit and remain an annual event.

The Cinderella Hokies, who were underdogs on NCAA football odds coming in, compiled more than 400 passing yards on the day and won the game on a last-second field goal by kicker Craig Kinzer. In the end, 58,212 fans packed into Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, and the Peach Bowl went on to acquire a television deal, and a corporate sponsorship from Chick-fil-A.

The 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl line will be posted in late December, as the No. 2 ACC squad will take on a representative of the SEC on December 31. The battle for the ACC appears to be between Maryland and Miami (FL), both of whom would be tremendous television ratings draws.

Meanwhile, the Chick-fil-A Bowl gets fifth selection out of the SEC, leaving South Carolina as a very probably candidate to appear in the game after the conference powerhouses are snapped up.

For even more NCAA football analysis, check out The Betting Edge on BetOnline.com, where our experts break down NCAA football spreads and Chick-fil-A Bowl odds.

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, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.