Football Betting

Fiesta Bowl odds - Fiesta Bowl promises to provide excitement

Posted on 11/26/2008 10:51:15 AM By Blake Frazier

Fiesta Bowl odds: Another upset on its way?

BLAKE’S PICK: The Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t end up in the BCS game everyone expected during the preseason, but they did make a BCS bowl nonetheless. They’ll play in the Fiesta Bowl against the Texas Longhorns, who are still smarting at the fact that they didn’t get into the National Championship game. This is a big step up in competition for Ohio State, which dilly-dallied in the Big Ten this year. Bet online with the Longhorns to make a statement in the Texas vs Ohio State line.

The Buckeyes finished 10-2, coming in second in the Big Ten, while the 11-1 Longhorns were denied a spot in the BCS title game despite beating Oklahoma. These two will meet in the Fiesta Bowl on January 5, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. ET in Glendale, AZ.

• Sponsor: Tostitos
• Stadium: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
• History: December 27, 1971 (Arizona State 45 Florida State 35)
• Most Appearances: Arizona State, Penn State, Nebraska (tie) (6)
• Most Wins: Penn State (6)

Last Five Years:

Since 1971, Fiesta Bowl betting has been one of the hottest plays on the board during Bowl Game season. Originated as a means for WAC teams to play a bowl game, the Fiesta Bowl has since housed the national championship and some of the most exciting NCAA football betting matchups of all-time.

The first big breakthrough for the Fiesta Bowl came in 1987 when No. 1 Miami and No. 2 Penn State agreed to meet in Arizona for the de facto National Championship. The ’Canes were heavily favored by Fiesta Bowl odds, led by future Super Bowl bench boss Jimmy Johnson and quarterback Vinny Testaverde. The future NFL pivot was heralded as the best player in the NCAA as the 1986 Heisman winner, and thus Miami was favored by more than seven points on the Fiesta Bowl spread.

For ’87 Penn State it was all about defense, leading to the Nittany Lions program being anointed “Linebacker U.” Even though Miami heavily outgained Penn State, Testaverde succumbed to extreme pressure at the wrong times, tossing five interceptions. The most important pick came in the red zone with 45 seconds left and a chance to secure the game.

Testaverde was robbed by defensive tackle Pete Giftopoulos in one of the most famous Fiesta Bowl picks and NCAA plays in history. Penn State won the game 14-10 in what is still the most-watched bowl game of all time.

After the success of the national championship game, the Fiesta Bowl was invited to join the Bowl Championship Series and officially host the championship every four years. After four national championship games, the BCS Championship game was finally created, but the Fiesta Bowl remained one of the top four annual games.

In 2007, University of Phoenix Stadium played host to one of the greatest games in college football betting history. No. 9 ranked Boise State defeated No. 8 Oklahoma 43-42 using a series of trick plays, including a Statue of Liberty play on a two-point conversion to win the game in overtime. We’ll be incredibly lucky if the 2009 Fiesta Bowl betting is half as exciting.

Last year’s installment was slightly less dramatic but, once again, a large favorite on NCAA football odds fell, as Oklahoma was humbled by quarterback Pat White and West Virginia—48-28.

2009 Fiesta Bowl odds will likely indicate another excellent tilt, pitting the Big 12 champion or an at-large BCS bid against another BCS bid—meaning college football betting fans will see the cream of the crop.

It appears as though Texas Tech might be headed towards the Fiesta Bowl and, if its performance against Texas this season is any indication, we could be in store for another classic.

For more bowl game betting analysis and Fiesta Bowl odds, be sure to visit BetOnline.com’s Betting Edge as we break down NCAA odds and NCAA lines daily.

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.