In one of the more intriguing matchups of the 2024 bowl season, Georgia Tech football has accepted an invitation to play Vanderbilt. Specifically, the College Football odds matchup is in the 2024 Birmingham Bowl. The matchup pits Georgia Tech against Vanderbilt for the 39th time overall. But it is the first time in the postseason. The Yellow Jackets lead the all-time series, 20-15-3. However, they have been 12-0-1 against the Commodores since 1948. Also, Tech hasn’t lost to Vandy since 1941. The Jackets have won six straight in the series since a 10-10 tie in 1965.
Birmingham Bowl Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Vanderbilt Commodores
| Date and Time: | Friday, December 27, 2024, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | -2½ -110 | 51 -110 | -135 |  |
| Vanderbilt | +2½ -110 | 51 -110 | +115 | |
| ||||
Birmingham Bowl Overview
Last year, Troy ended the season with an 11-3 record and lost its first bowl game since 2009. But an unfortunate hiccup in Troy’s bowl preparation was a stomach virus that affected multiple players. Namely, quarterback Gunnar Watson was having symptoms that he tried to play through but looked noticeably off. Watson ended the day with 21 completions on 36 attempts for 230 yards. Watson threw an interception on Troy’s final possession as they tried to tie the game up.
The low score of the game points to how well both defenses played. The Troy defense forced two turnovers. However, it managed two sacks against a Duke offensive line full of inexperienced players. Richard Jibunor was arguably the most disruptive, with two tackles for loss and a sack. Also, the Duke defense also had two sacks in addition to ten pass breakups.
Troy’s Kimani Vidal entered the season as the nation’s second-leading rusher. Unfortunately for him and the Trojans, the Duke defense had an answer for him. To show, Vidal carried 17 times for 79 yards. Vidal had at least one rushing touchdown in each of his last three previous games. Including five in the Sun Belt Championship.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Team Overview
Last game, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets lost 44-42 against the Georgia Bulldogs as 17-point road dogs. The game went over the online betting total of 49. Georgia Tech has a record of 7-5 straight up, 6-5-1 against the spread, and 4-8 over/under the total. Georgia Tech ranks 33rd for total offense, 49th for passing, 38th for rushing, and 62nd for scoring. Defensively, they rank 46th overall, 82nd against the pass, 30th against the rush, and 68th for points allowed. Also, Georgia Tech ranks 5th for fewest turnovers lost and 120th for takeaways.
Vanderbilt Commodores Team Overview
Last game, the Vanderbilt Commodores lost 36-23 against the Tennessee Volunteers as 10-point home dogs. The game went over the College Football odds total of 47. Vandy has a record of 6-6 straight up, 8-4 against the spread, and 6-5-1 over/under the total. Vanderbilt ranks 123rd for total offense, 116th for passing, 86th for rushing and 76th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 74th overall, 100th against the pass, 45th against the rush, and 49th for points allowed. Also, Vanderbilt ranks 2nd for fewest turnovers lost and 90th for takeaways.
Birmingham Bowl SBG Free Picks
Late on, Tech and Vandy have squared off four times since 2002. The Jackets won 45-3 (2002 in Atlanta), 24-17 in overtime (2003 in Nashville), 56-31 (2009 in Nashville), and 38-7 (2016 in Atlanta). In this situation, Georgia Tech is the more complete team.
Birmingham Bowl SBG Best Bet: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.