For the second time in the last six years, the Utah Utes and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are going to square off in a bowl game. This time around, they’ll both be vying to beat the Sun Bowl odds in one of the many duels on the 2011-12 bowl game schedule on New Year’s Eve.

Sun Bowl: Utah Utes vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Sun Bowl Location: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX
Sun Bowl Date/Time: Saturday, December 31st, 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Sun Bowl Television Coverage: CBS

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Key #1: The Yellow Jackets have to play with some intensity offensively
Historically, the Yellow Jackets really don’t play all that well in bowl games, as they haven’t really put up a great effort in a bowl in a number of years. The problem of late has been that opposing defenses have had plenty of time to ready themselves for the triple option attack. Last year against the Air Force Falcons in the Independence Bowl, the Ramblin’ Wreck were held to just a single touchdown in spite of the fact that their offense regularly put up 40+ points in the regular season. This time around, Utah is familiar with that triple option having defended it against Air Force virtually every year until this one from its days in the MWC. G-Tech is going to have to pull out all of the stops and led QB Tevin Washington do some new things for it to be able to win this game.

Sun Bowl Odds at Wager Web Sportsbook
Utah Utes +2.5
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -2.5
Over/Under 50.5
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Key #2: Utah has to get over its bevy of injuries in a hurry
The Utes are fortunate to be playing a bowl game on New Year’s Eve instead of earlier on, because if they were playing earlier, they would probably have a heck of a lot more concerns on the injury front. RB John White IV, the team’s leading rusher, has an ankle injury, while WR DeVonte Christopher, the top receiver, has a chest problem. This offense wasn’t deep enough this year to take hits like this one, and if these two men don’t play or don’t play effectively, it is going to crush an offense that already only ranked No. 110 in the nation, averaging 308.8 yards per game.

Key #3: The team that wins the battle at the line of scrimmage will win this game
It tends to go unnoticed, and it seems to be a bit taboo to say, but in this case, the team that wins the battles up front really will win this game. So much of both of these offenses revolves around the play of the offensive line, and that means that both teams need that unit to play well to keep the ball moving. Holding penalties, sacks, and false starts absolutely kill drives when you’re going to keep the ball on the ground on a regular basis and you really can’t go aerial all that often. What is underestimated though, is the power of the Utah defensive line. This front isn’t particularly flashy, but the unit gets the job done, and that’s why opponents are only averaging 98.2 yards per game against it on the ground. That leaves Utah ranked No. 7 in the game against the rush, and that came against a Pac-12 chock full of teams that love to keep the ball on the ground, get back to the line of scrimmage, and line up to do it all over once again.

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Triple option fans will revel in this one on Monday night at the Independence Bowl, where we’ll make our college football picks on the duel between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Air Force Falcons. These two teams have virtually similar resumes to work with, and though Air Force had the better record, Georgia Tech clearly had the more difficult schedule. Both teams could be missing key pieces to the puzzle as well, which could make this one very, very interesting. Check out our keys to the game for beating the Independence Bowl odds on Monday.

Key #1: Jared Tew has to be a part of the offense again after the long layoff
Tew was really expected to be the key cog in the triple option attack this year for the Falcons, and we was off to a great start, running for 540 yards and three TDs on 110 carries over the course of the first half of the season. However, he broke his leg, which was thought to end his senior season. From “out for the season” to “probable,” Tew has worked his way up the depth chart and has worked himself into game condition again. He’ll probably give it a go here in the Independence Bowl, but whether he is going to be able to really be himself or not after over two months off is a different question. The three year letterman at Air Force has rushed for over 1,800 yards for his career, and he would love nothing more than to be able to cap it all off with a great performance in a bowl game in his career season.

Key #2: Tevin Washington has to prove that he can beat a bowl team
Just as Air Force had some problems with Tew being out of the lineup, QB Josh Nesbitt has been out as well. He has been out of the fold for the last four games of the regular season, which has left Washington, the future leader of this triple option in charge. The sophomore has thrown for 376 yards and has rushed for 383 more yards. However, he has turned the ball over quite a bit, and since he has taken over under center, the Ramblin’ Wreck have three losses and just one win, and the one ‘W’ came against the Duke Blue Devils. Head Coach Paul Johnson knows that the key of this triple option offense is that the quarterback has to make sound decisions and cannot turn the ball over, and really only scoring a substantial amount of points against two very poor defensive teams in the Georgia Bulldogs and Duke Blue Devils doesn’t do anything for us. Washington really has to step his game up after a month of practice to beat the Falcons.

Key #3: Georgia Tech has to be prepared for a team that has really played a tough slate
We made mention that the Ramblin’ Wreck played a better schedule, but we really can’t discount the fact that the Falcons really played a brutal slate. This was a team that hung around with the Oklahoma Sooners on the road and nearly took out the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium as well. The three TD win over the BYU Cougars really does look impressive, and a 14-6 victory over the Navy Midshipmen proved that Air Force could stop the triple option as well. The bottom line is that the Academy really has seen it all, and there is no way that this is going to be a team that is intimidated going into this one. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, only has two wins over bowl teams this year, with the better team on the bunch being the North Carolina Tar Heels. However, ‘W’s against the Tar Heels and the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders really don’t do anything for us, especially knowing that the one win with Washington calling the shots was the Duke Blue Devils.

The 2010 college football betting season is almost here! In order to prepare you for the start of the season, we are analyzing the college football odds to win the ACC at Bankroll Sports, courtesy of BetUS Sportsbook.

There are several teams in this conference capable of taking home a championship, but Florida State Seminoles (+300 at BetUS) is the best choice. The offense returns ten starters, including junior quarterback Christian Ponder. He will have plenty of talented options to throw to, as three top junior receivers in Bert Reed, Jamar Fortson, and Taiwan Easterling will take the field. The Seminoles also have plenty of playmakers at tailback, with Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones being the primary workhorses. New defensive coordinator Mark Stoops will provide a spark for a unit in need. Expect a big showing from cornerback Ochuko Jenije and a much improved run defense, with three returning linemen and two returning linebackers. The conference schedule shapes up nicely, with Boston College and Clemson coming to Tallahassee. The only road challenge will be in Miami.

Also strong contenders for the ACC crown are the Virginia Tech Hokies (+300 at BetUS.com). The offense features eight returning starters, including 2009 ACC Rookie of the Year Award winning RB Ryan Williams. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor will have a core of three junior WRs at his disposal, with Jerrett Boykin, Danny Coale, and Dyrell Roberts. On defense, the team only has five returning starters, but has plenty of talent to build around. The team returns its starting linebackers and senior cornerback Rashad Carmichael will again provide a big impact in the interceptions department. Of course, no analysis of Virginia Tech is complete without mentioning Beamer Ball. Expect plenty of blocked kicks, while Dyrell Roberts will provide numerous yards on kick returns. The Hokies open their season against Boise State and have a history of losing their first game of the season. However, after that, they have an easy run until November when they face Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Miami.

Not far behind these two giants are the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+1000 at BetUS). Of the seven returning starters on offense, the most important is quarterback Josh Nesbitt. He was one of the team’s two 1,000 yard rushers from a year ago. The defense may be a slight problem, with limited depth on the line. However, a deep core of linebackers and a switch to the 3-4 system greatly helps the situation. The schedule is not going to be easy, with road games at Clemson and Virginia Tech, followed by Miami coming to town. However, if Nesbitt can keep up his dual threat capability and the defense can gel in its new scheme, Georgia Tech could surprise.

As always, there are those conference teams who won’t be so lucky. For the ACC, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+3000 at BetUS Sportsbook) fit the bill. The Demon Deacons need to find a new quarterback and have implemented a new, option-based offensive system. The line is inexperienced at best. If the team has to rely on the ground game, the damage could get worse, as neither of last year’s top running backs in Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass averaged more than 4.8 yards per carry. The defense has a few strengths, but is not deep. Two starting linebackers in Hunter Haynes and Matt Woodlief will be relied on heavily with the loss of tackles Boo Robinson and John Russell up front. The strong secondary will be offset by a weaker run defense, along with the added pressure that comes with a new offense trying to gel. All this plus a tough schedule with road games at Virginia Tech and Florida State makes for a two win ACC campaign at best.

ACC Odds @ BetUS Sportsbook(as of 7/20/10):
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Miami +250
Florida State +300
Virginia Tech +300
North Carolina +500
Boston College +800
Georgia Tech +1000
Clemson +1200
North Carolina State +2500
Wake Forest +3000
Virginia +5000
Maryland +6000
Duke +7500

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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• Colt McCoy 5/4
• Mark Ingram  2/7
• Ndamukong Suh 5/1
• Tim Tebow  15/1
• Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
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• Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

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The College Football Season is nearing just one week away from kickoff before our favorite teams and players take the field. The element of surprise has always been a special aspect to the college game that is unparallel to other sports. Every year you have breakout teams like the Utah Utes from 2008. Predicting the breakout teams may be a difficult task especially with so many juggernaut squads like the Florida Gators, Oklahoma Sooners, and Texas Longhorns who are on top of the polls heading into the 2009 ncaa football season. The men leading those powerful teams behind center will be none other than all 3 Heisman Finalist from last season including Oklahoma Sooners QB Sam Bradford who won the Heisman Trophy just one year ago. It will be interesting to see if there are any players who will step into the spotlight and challenge for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. There were some young talents who emerged into household names last year, but the big question will be if any of these less known names can be able to overtake all three finalists from last season? We break down the 2009 Heisman Trophy candidates and give some insight on what to expect from these big names for the upcoming season.

Top 10 Heisman Favorites and Their Respetive Odds (@ The Start of the Season) To Win The Heisman Throphy in 2009:

1. QB Tim Tebow +200 – Florida Gators

The Tim Tebow promise after the Gators loss to the Ole Miss last year was one of the captivating moments of the year in college football. The Gators lived up to that promise playing harder than any football team in America crushing opponents in the SEC like no team in history. Tim Tebow already won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore campaign, but could he add another to the trophy case along side the two National Championship Trophies? Tebow’s ability to pound short yards on the ground in goal line situations make him an even better threat to put up Heisman numbers considering the touchdowns will come in abundance. However, Tebow arm does not get the credit it rightfully deserves. Tebow has completed 65% of his passes throughout his career in Gainesville and also sported the 4th best quarterback rating (172.37) in the NCAA in 2008. Florida will not only be the big favorites in the country this season, but they are catching the SEC East division in a year where they are really down in terms of talent compared to years past. Losing playmaker Percy Harvin may hurt the homerun threat, but there are plenty of talented wide outs ready to step to the plate. If the Gators offense can start from where they left in 2008, then Tebow could put up some freakishly strong numbers against the best defenses in America.

2. QB Sam Bradford +250 – Oklahoma Sooners

Sam Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to one of the strongest offensive showings by a team in recent memory last year. Bradford and the rest of the offense set an NCAA record by recording 5 straight games of 60 or more points. Those ridiculous numbers led to Bradford compiling 4,720 yards and even more impressively 50 touchdowns on the season. While many will try to downplay the Sooners offense in reference to the weak defenses of the Big 12, it still amazing anytime you put those types of numbers playing in one of biggest conferences in America. Bradford also led the nation with a 180.84 quarterback rating and capped off the huge year by winning the Heisman Trophy. Can Bradford become the 1st player since Archie Griffin (Ohio State 1974&1975) to win the Heisman Trophy back to back? The Sooners lost primary target Juaquin Iglesias, but they get the likely the best tight end in the country back in Jermaine Gresham. However, the wide outs will rely on unproven talent to step up to aid Bradford in the air attack. Big numbers should not be a problem for Bradford in 2009, but topping last year’s stats could be difficult.

3. QB Colt McCoy +275 – Texas Longhorns

Colt McCoy is the first player on our list not to be a previous Heisman Trophy Winner. However, McCoy’s numbers from 2008 were very deserving of that honor. McCoy led the Longhorns to a brilliant season and many feel if not for the “flawless” BCS standings the Longhorns would have been playing for the National Title. On the season, McCoy led the Texas offense racking up 3,859 yards through the air with 34 touchdowns. McCoy also rushed for another 541 yards which led the Texas rushing attack adding another 11 touchdowns on the season. The senior quarterback could be a good pick this year considering the Longhorns are slight favorites to come out on top in the Big 12 this season. However, McCoy lost some talented receivers a lot like their nemesis in Oklahoma. Texas did catch a big break when WR Jordan Shipley was granted another year of eligibility and he will definitely be the primary target for their dangerous offense. Having Shipley return to the offense, gives promising hope to the Longhorns air attack behind McCoy and should allow the Texas quarterback to put up some big numbers once again.

4. QB Terrelle Pryor +800 – Ohio State Buckeyes

Terrelle Pryor if you can recall was the enormous recruit sought after by so many of the nations top schools that actually needed more time after National Signing Day to decide his college destination. Well, usually those players fail to impress after so much hype. However, Pryor really could be among the very best in the nation just in his sophomore season. Last year as a freshman, Pryor could pick a part defenses at will with his feet. Pryor actually at times seemed to favor tucking the ball and running instead of throwing to pick up yard. The freshman carried the ball 139 times picking up 4.5 yards a carry to total 631 yards on the season behind center. Pryor threw for just 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns despite using his legs more times than not. However, if the star studded sophomore can make his arm a bigger weapon this season it could be deadly for the Buckeyes offense. Defenses already had trouble stopping Pryor from escaping out of the backfield. If he can add a considerable threat with his arm, then the Ohio State quarterback could be unstoppable.

5. RB Jahvid Best +1000 – California Golden Bears

Jahvid Best burst onto the college football scene last season by becoming a Saturday night special on the highlight film. As the first non-quarterback on board, Best will have to really out do himself to overcome the big name quarterbacks. However, he is just the player to do so. Best rushed for 1,580 and 15 touchdowns on the ground for the Golden Bears in 2008 and is likely in for another big season. Best also shattered a single game school record last year rumbling his way for 311 yards in the season finale against Washington. The junior tailback could be in for more big accomplishments as quite possibly the best running back in the nation. The unknown star heading into 2008 took the Pac-10 by surprise averaging a lucrative 8.1 yards per carry on the ground ranking 2nd best in the country. This year the Golden Bears should be on the verge of contending in the Pac-10, if that happens and Best puts up more strong numbers it would really help make the case for Heisman consideration.

6. RB Evan Royster +1200 – Penn State Nittany Lions

Evan Royster will be another big name coming out of the Big Ten in pre-season Heisman consideration. Royster became a big threat for the Nittany Lions ground game last year racking up over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Royster was part of a strong rushing game and resulted in 6.5 yards per carry. Rest assured the Nittany Lions main running back will get plenty of chances to bust open some big plays this year and perhaps the opportunity to get more touches than 2008. However, Royster would have to increase his numbers by a wide margin to be considered a legitimate contender in the Heisman race. Sharing time with Stephfon Green in the backfield could hurt those chances, but many have Royster on their radar for a breakout season. Royster got off to a great start in 2008, but faded down the stretch. If the junior tailback can keep it together for the entire season, then you can definitely expect his overall numbers to see a big increase.

7. QB Jevan Snead +1500 – Mississippi Rebels

We had Jevan Snead in our off-season Heisman watch and it looked like we were not the only ones. Snead has received a lot of publicity for the way he threw the ball and took over the Rebels offense at the end of 2008. Snead has possibility the most pure arm in college football. That’s right perhaps better than all our Heisman Finalist from last year. The question heading into this season is how will the Rebels offense perform? Snead struggled at times last year throwing 13 picks, but also had an SEC 2nd best 26 touchdowns to make up those mistakes. The Rebels will have the dangerous all-purpose talent of Dexter McCluster back to aid Snead with the passing game and that could spell trouble for some of the SEC defenses. The Rebels quarterback could be in store for a big year if the offense can come out firing on all cylinders. Don’t expect the interceptions to be a factor in this underdog pick. Heisman consideration or not, Snead may be the best arm at the next level than any of the quarterback on our board.

8. RB Jonathon Dwyer +1500 – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson implemented the pro running style option offense to the Yellow Jackets in his first season as coach. In the midst of the offense, the Yellow Jackets found a crowned jewel in young running back Jonathon Dwyer. Dwyer led the ACC in rushing with 1,395 yards, 12 touchdowns, and an impressive 7.0 yards per carry average. The more impressive aspect to Dwyer’s statistical success was the fact the defenses knew that the Yellow Jackets would be running the football. However, the talented youngster did not disappoint in his sophomore campaign and will be a guy to keep on your breakout list for 2009. Dwyer rushing yards increased as the season progressed hinting at all possibilities of another big season for the Yellow Jackets tailback. Also, Johnson’s new offense should be even better as many would expect in year 2 and Dwyer will be the main player leading the offensive ground game.

9. RB Kendall Hunter +2000 – Oklahoma State Cowboys

Kendall Hunter exploded out of the backfield for the Cowboys in 2008 racking up 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hunter will be in elite company with QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant on the same side of the field. The Oklahoma State offense will be explosive through the air as well on the ground. The question is will it be enough explosion the ground to get the Heisman attention? Well, Hunter definitely has that possibility as we have labeled him the best cutback player in America. Hunter has an uncanny ability to make great cuts through the holes of the defense maximizing large gains. Add the element of speed to the picture and you can see why Hunter is a favorite amongst fans. Hunter carried for 6.5 yards per carry last year while carrying a big work load with 241 touches. Expect Hunter to get another big dosage of carries this season and if the offense can live up to the hype then the electrifying tailback could really climb the polls in the Heisman race.

10. RB C.J Spiller +2000 – Clemson Tigers

So we have 9 previous players who have proved themselves on the field, but Spiller may not fit the same mold. Spiller is undoubtedly a thrilling tailback with quickness and top end speed that can out run anyone. The senior running back can really make big plays with his elite speed and bust open big plays on any given touch. However, with that being said Spiller has yet to have the breakout year that Tigers fans have been anticipating. Spiller shared time with running back James Davis over the past few seasons as fans proclaimed the duo as “thunder and lightning.” Although, “lightning” has failed to produce a single 1,000 yard campaign in his first 3 seasons at Clemson and time is definitely running on empty. In Spiller’s defense, he did not have one game where he received over 16 touches in 2008 and that does not give him the opportunity to post big numbers. However this season, Spiller will be the only threat in the backfield and maybe finally the Tigers will give him that opportunity. Still, Spiller would have to increase his numbers considerably to contend for a Heisman Trophy. Even more importantly, Clemson would have to avoid collapsing as they have done over the past few years when there has been similar around the team.

2009 Heisman Trophy Prediction & Picks:

It would definitely be an upset if any of the top 3 finalists from last season did not end up winning this year’s Heisman Trophy. However, Jahvid Best will have a legitimate shot. Best is the best underdog to take in the Heisman race, but a lot of that consideration will rely on the Golden Bears success. California will have every opportunity to finally knock off USC in the Pac-10 this year and will get the opportunity to single handedly knock off the Trojans at home on October 3rd. Consider Best as a dark horse with profitable odds. However, the big favorite still has to be Tim Tebow and for all the right reasons. Whether you are tired of hearing his name or not, Tebow still has the best chance to win the Heisman. The reason is because the Gators have such a promising outlook for the upcoming season. The team has nearly every starter returning from their National Championship crusade from last year and the opportunity to make another run at a National Championship. It would be a fitting end for the guy that has led the Gators offense over the last 4 years and already has two National Titles along with a Heisman Trophy already on his resume. Those factors simply make it hard to bet against him in the Heisman race. Harvin may be gone, but the offense will reload heavily. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez should give the air attack plenty of firepower with Tebow delivering the bullets. Expect nothing less than another dynamic offense that will be among the best in the SEC yet again. If Tebow and the offense can avoid early season struggles as they did in 2008, expect another 40 plus total touchdowns for the 3rd season in a row which will result in another Heisman Trophy for college football’s biggest star.