Emerald Bowl Betting – WAC could step in for Pac-10 against ACC
Emerald Bowl odds: newer bowl had its best game last season
BLAKE’S PICK: In the Emerald Bowl, the Miami vs California odds feature a battle of two teams with very inconsistent quarterbacking. Miami is chalk-full of freshmen, so look for this to be a learning experience for it. Cal has a number of decent parts but hasn’t been able to string together consistent performances all season. There should be a good share of mistakes in this game but bet online with the more experienced California team to win the Emerald Bowl.
The Hurricanes were fourth in the ACC Coastal with a 7-5 mark, and the Golden Bears finished fourth in the Pac-10 with an 8-4 record. These two will meet in the Emerald Bowl on December 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET in San Francisco, CA.
- When: December 27, 2008
- Sponsor: Diamond Foods Inc.
- Stadium: AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA
- History: December 31, 2002 (Virginia Tech 20 Air Force 13)
Last Five Years:
2007 – Oregon State 21 Maryland 14
2006 – Florida State 44 UCLA 27
2005 – Utah 38 Georgia Tech 10
2004 – Navy 34 New Mexico 19
2003 – Boston College 35 Colorado State 21
Emerald Bowl betting is a recent sportsbook institution, as it began in 2002 when Virginia Tech dropped Air Force 20-13 (the Hokies had an 11-point advantage on the Emerald Bowl spread). This game usually pits the No. 7 team in the ACC against the No. 5 Pac-10 team, but some are looking to the WAC conference to participate in 2008 Emerald Bowl betting as there is no Pac-10 team currently available.
Oregon State of the Pac-10 came into 2007’s game as a 4.5-point Emerald Bowl betting favorite over the ACC’s Maryland, and it was a sloppy affair with five turnovers. In fact, James Rodgers’ fumble recovery in the end zone in the third quarter was the difference as the Beavers beat the Terrapins 21-14, covering the Emerald Bowl line. The Beavers racked up 275 yards on the ground in the victory.
This year’s Emerald Bowl betting participants are projected to be Maryland, which will be looking to avenge that loss to Oregon State, but it could get Fresno State of the WAC, which has won four of its last five bowl games. If Fresno State receives a bid, it could have an Emerald Bowl betting edge due to home-field advantage, as it is easier to travel from Fresno than Maryland.
For more online sportsbook odds and tips on betting sports, hit up BetOnline.com’s Betting Edge.
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.
