Free College Football Pick
Georgia Tech vs. Clemson – Neutral Location
Saturday, December 5, 2009 – 8:00 PM ET – on ESPN
ACC Championship Game
Georgia Tech (10-2) and Clemson (8-4) go head-to-head for the second time this season in the ACC Championship game. At Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the two teams will fight for a conference title and an automatic bid to the Orange Bowl. On September 10th, Georgia Tech defeated Clemson, 30-27. Since then, the Yellow Jackets have had time to develop as a team, and Clemson’s defense has improved. Clemson only gets one point, in what should be another close matchup. Neither team has been able to claim an ACC title since the early 90’s (Clemson 1991, Georgia Tech 1990) so it’s a huge game for both. Both teams come off disappointing losses. Georgia Tech lost to Georgia, 30-24, and Clemson lost to South Carolina, 34-17.
For the Yellow Jackets, it’s been a triple-option ground attack all year. Although they run the ball nearly every play, their passing game has been effective with Demaryius Thomas racking up 1077 yards and 7 touchdowns. He averages 24 yards per catch. His talent is assisted by the “surprise factor”. It’s hard to stop a deep threat when defensive opponents are lined up to stop the run.
The Tigers have been mostly dominant in the ACC this year with a 34 point-per-game average. They have been successful with a more traditional power running game. Heisman Trophy hopeful, CJ Spiller, has rushed for 912 yards and has 440 receiving. His big play potential serves as a real threat to opposing defenses. He is especially dangerous to opposing special teams, with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns.
This game will be decided by the best run defense. Georgia Tech is ranked 47 and Clemson 45 in that category. While not much separates their stats, the edge will likely go to Clemson in this game. They’ve seen the “quirky” opposing Yellow Jacket’s offense before, and have improved since.
Georgia Tech Stats:
Georgia Tech is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games |
Georgia Tech is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games |
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Georgia Tech's last 6 games |
Georgia Tech is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Clemson |
Georgia Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Clemson |
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Georgia Tech's last 5 games when playing Clemson
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Clemson Stats:
Clemson is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games |
Clemson is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Georgia Tech |
Clemson is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Georgia Tech |
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Clemson's last 5 games when playing Georgia Tech |
Pick: Clemson +1 to win their first ACC title under Coach Dabo Swinney.
Stats by Bodog
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