Wednesday, December 9, 2009

SEC Football Blogger

Kentucky vs. Clemson Prediction Pick 2009

Posted: 09 Dec 2009 11:13 AM PST

Kentucky vs. Clemson Prediction Pick 2009

For the Gaylord (hee) Hotels Music City Bowl? You have one of the most explosive potential duels in the bowl season. C.J. Spiller was one of the greats of this college football season, and the fact that he was denied a trip to New York City to celebrate his season is a travesty. And the next challenger to his power? You guessed it, Randall Cobb.

Going in? Kentucky is a seven point underdog, and that’s fair. Clemson’s offense is more explosive than Kentuckys on the whole, and it really won’t matter if Morgan Newton starts or Mike Hartline returns. Kentucky just does not have near the pieces that Clemson does if everything goes right. And even if everything doesn’t go right?

C.J. Spiller has been such a force of nature, that if he gets rolling, there would only be a small chance that Kentucky could win. Kentucky’s 11th in run defense in the SEC as well. Spiller could find his way into a 200 yard three touchdown performance if Big Blue isn’t careful. And I say that without hyperbole.

Don’t think I’m shortchanging Clemson’s defense either. They’re a very solid unit. Third in the ACC in total defense, 4th in scoring defense, and while a good quarterback can throw on the secondary? It is a secondary that led the ACC in picks. So basically, there is a lot of reason as to why Clemson is a strong favorite.

That being said? There are two factors that could lead to a Kentucky win. One? Randall Cobb could decide to take it upon himself to make this a real ballgame. And don’t think he can’t. And Derrick Locke is a weapon who could find space if the focus becomes too much on Cobb.

The other factor? Disappointment. After all, these guys are just kids. And when you go from a potential game with the eyes of the nation upon you all the way to a post-Christmas weekday in Nashville? No offense to Nashville, but it’s not exactly a prime destination in comparison to Miami. You could see sleepwalking, especially with an inconsistent Freshman at QB for the Tigers. It could be enough to give Kentucky a 4th straight Bowl win.

In fact? I’m calling the Mild Upset. Kentucky 28, Clemson 24.

Visits

Archive