Music City Bowl Betting

Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) vs. Clemson Tigers (8-5)
Opening Line: Kentucky +7.5 / Clemson -7.5
Time: 8:30 PM EST Sunday December 27, 2009 on ESPN

The Clemson Tigers take on the Kentucky Wildcats in the Music City Bowl. Both teams played a tough schedule, as they played a combined 7 games against ranked teams. Against teams in the top 25 the Tigers were 1-4 and Kentucky was 0-3 including losing to Alabama and Florida. The Wildcats lost their last game after winning their previous 3, but they were only 3-5 in SEC play. The Tigers lost their last 2 games of the season, but were 6-2 in ACC play this season. Clemson has lost 3 straight bowl games while Kentucky has won 3 straight.

This season Kentucky was 6-5 ATS and Clemson was 7-5 ATS.

The Tigers' strength is their defense, which is ranked 22nd in the nation. Even though their offense is only ranked 69th in the nation they have one of the best RB's in C.J. Spiller, who was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best RB and has 7,416 career all-purpose yards, which is the 3rd most in NCAA history. Spiller may be a nightmare for a Kentucky rushing defense that only ranks 100th in the nation and this season gave up an average of 183.1 rushing yards per game. Kentucky ranks 90th in the nation on offense and 59th on defense even though they have struggled against the run this season.

In their last game the Wildcats lost to Tennessee 30-24 in OT and the Tigers lost to Georgia Tech 39-34.

Clemson is led by QB Kyle Parker (2,385 yds 19 TD) and even though he has a couple of solid receivers Spiller is still the big gun they have and if he has a good game the Wildcats will be in for a long day. If the Wildcats can contain Spiller it gives them a good chance to win this game. However, Parker can air it out and the Wildcats' front line D only ranks 104th in the nation with 16 sacks. Kentucky will also be without their best defensive player in this game, as LB Sam Maxwell, who had 80 tackles and was tied for 2nd in the SEC with 6 interceptions, is out because of a shoulder injury.

The Wildcats have to be able to run this game since their passing offense, led by QB Mike Hartline (802 yds 6 TD), only ranks 104th in the nation. Kentucky does have a solid rushing attack with the duo of RB Derrick Locke (843 yds 6 TD) and WR Randall Cobb (537 yds 10 TD). If Clemson's rushing defense, which ranks 69th in the nation, can contain these guys they should easily win this game.