The Vanderbilt Commodores will be trying to break a three-game losing streak against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Despite each team dealing with numerous waivers, both starting quarterbacks will play in this game, making it a little easier to make a prediction for the Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt Bowl in Birmingham. The Yellow Jackets are 3-point favorites ahead of Friday's game at Protection Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).
The Yellow Jackets last played eight overtime games against the Georgia Bulldogs. Can they build on that momentum? Or will Diego Pavia and the Commodores prove to be too much of a challenge for them?
Our college bowl game waiver wire tracker will bring you the latest on the waiver wire and how it will affect the college bowl game odds.
Georgia Tech vs Vanderbilt - predictions and best predictions: Birmingham Bowl
Soccer predictions are based on odds from our top soccer betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
Against the Spread: Georgia Tech -3 (-110 via BetMGM) vs. Vanderbilt ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My top pick: Haynes King - over 52.5 yards (-114 on FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt matchup prediction with odds included
Georgia Tech will overcome the spread: -3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best Odds: -110 via BetMGM | Estimated Probability: 52.38%
The defensive losses are too much for the Commodores to overcome
Both the Commodores and Yellow Jackets will enter Friday's Birmingham Bowl game with most of their core players. While the Yellow Jackets will be without their leading receiver Eric Singleton Jr. they still boast starting quarterback Haynes King and leading rusher Jamal Haynes.
The Commodores are in even better shape on offense as their entire scheme runs through Pavia. The team's leading passer and offensive lineman will play in this game as his favorite targets on offense.
The Commodores' defense, on the other hand, will not be doing well because of the transfer portal. The team is missing at least 13 defenders, eight of which are defensive line players. This is a team that is already scoring 25.2 points and allowing 145.5 yards per game. I expect the duo of King and Haynes to run all over this weakened defensive line.
The spread on our top sports networks opened with the Yellow Jackets as a 3-point favorite to win. It dipped to 2.5 several times during the week, but then climbed back up to three. Since bettors are divided on what will happen in this game, don't expect this number to go outside of the 2.5-3.5 range.
Bet on this number now to make one of your predictions for this week's college game.
Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt is the best choice
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Haynes King - over 52.5 passing yards ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: -114 on FanDuel | Estimated odds: 53.27%
King ended the year gaining 578 yards rushing while averaging 5.1 yards per rush. He finished the season with 24 passes for 110 yards and three touchdowns in a game against the Bulldogs. King gained at least 93 yards in three of his last four games.
He has topped the 52.5 yard mark in six games this season, and I expect him to put up another huge performance against a Commodores defensive front devoid of any real depth. The Commodores are usually easiest to beat through the air, but the run defense will be their biggest weakness with this lineup.
Two of the top four bookmakers offering this prediction put the total at 54.5. I would take that total, but FanDuel has the price on a total greater than 52.5.
Birmingham Bowl game information
When: Friday, Dec. 27
Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
Where: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
How to watch: ESPN
Weather: 62 degrees, 55% chance of precipitation, 13 mph SSE winds
Favorite: Georgia Tech -3 (-110 via BetMGM)
