Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Vanderbilt Commodores Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/27/2024 3:30 PM EST

We have your Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Vanderbilt Commodores prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets hit the road to face the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Vanderbilt Commodores Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -130 (ESPN BET) / Vanderbilt Commodores +110 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: 2.5 - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -110 (Caesars) / Vanderbilt Commodores -110 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 51.5 - Under -108 (DraftKings) / Over -112 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 12/27/2024
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Location: Protective Stadium (Birmingham, AL)
TV: ESPN

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Vanderbilt Commodores Preview

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Vanderbilt Commodores are set to clash in the 2024 Birmingham Bowl, a matchup that promises to be both historic and thrilling. Georgia Tech enters the game with a 7-5 record, having navigated a challenging schedule that included impressive victories over top-10 teams like Florida State and Miami. Under the leadership of head coach Brent Key, the Yellow Jackets have shown resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in their ability to control the pace of the game through a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes.

Vanderbilt, on the other hand, comes into the bowl game with a 6-6 record, highlighted by a stunning upset over then-No. 1 Alabama. The Commodores, coached by Clark Lea, have demonstrated their capability to compete with the best, showcasing a season of unexpected triumphs and close contests against formidable opponents like Texas and LSU. Quarterback Diego Pavia has been a key figure in Vanderbilt's offensive strategy, and his performance will be crucial in their quest to secure their first bowl victory since 2014.

The historical rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup. Georgia Tech leads the all-time series 20-15-3 and has not lost to Vanderbilt since 1941, maintaining a dominant streak that includes a 38-7 victory in their last meeting in 2016. Both teams were once conference-mates, and their rivalry is symbolized by a traveling trophy—a cowbell—that has been in Georgia Tech's possession since 1948.

As both teams prepare for this postseason encounter, the impact of the transfer portal looms large, with Georgia Tech experiencing some roster changes. Despite these challenges, the Yellow Jackets are favored slightly by oddsmakers, reflecting their recent form and historical edge over the Commodores. With both teams having knocked off top-10 opponents this season, the Birmingham Bowl is set to be a captivating contest that could go down to the wire.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Vanderbilt Commodores Pick: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Moneyline

In the upcoming Birmingham Bowl, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are poised to extend their historical dominance over the Vanderbilt Commodores. Georgia Tech enters the matchup with a 7-5 record, having demonstrated their ability to compete against top-tier teams with victories over No. 10 Florida State and No. 4 Miami. Under the guidance of head coach Brent Key, the Yellow Jackets have crafted a balanced offensive strategy, effectively utilizing the talents of quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes to control the pace of the game. This tactical approach has been instrumental in their success this season, particularly in high-stakes matchups.

Vanderbilt, while boasting a commendable upset over then-No. 1 Alabama, has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, finishing with a 6-6 record. Despite their ability to challenge formidable opponents, the Commodores have not secured a bowl victory since 2014, and their historical record against Georgia Tech is less than favorable. The Yellow Jackets lead the all-time series 20-15-3 and have not lost to Vanderbilt since 1941, a streak that includes a decisive 38-7 victory in their last encounter in 2016.

Moreover, Georgia Tech's recent form and their ability to navigate a challenging schedule suggest they are well-prepared for this postseason clash. The Yellow Jackets' resilience and strategic prowess, coupled with their historical edge over Vanderbilt, make them the favored team in this matchup. While the transfer portal has introduced some roster changes, Georgia Tech's depth and experience in bowl games—evidenced by their 47th bowl appearance—provide them with a significant advantage. Given these factors, the Yellow Jackets are a strong pick to secure the moneyline victory in the Birmingham Bowl.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Vanderbilt Commodores Top Player Prop Picks

Haynes King Over 250.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (DraftKings)

Haynes King has been a pivotal figure in Georgia Tech's offensive strategy, leading the Yellow Jackets to significant victories over top-tier teams like Florida State and Miami. His ability to control the pace of the game through a balanced offensive attack has been instrumental in Georgia Tech's success this season. Given Vanderbilt's defensive struggles, particularly against the pass, King is poised to exploit these weaknesses. The Commodores have allowed substantial yardage to opposing quarterbacks, and with King's proven track record in high-stakes matchups, he is likely to surpass the 250.5 passing yards mark. His performance will be crucial in maintaining Georgia Tech's historical dominance over Vanderbilt, making this prop a strong pick.

Diego Pavia Under 1.5 Passing Touchdowns Passing Touchdowns -115 (FanDuel)

Diego Pavia has been a key player for Vanderbilt, but the Commodores have faced challenges in maintaining offensive consistency throughout the season. Despite their upset victory over Alabama, Vanderbilt's offense has struggled against formidable defenses. Georgia Tech's defense, known for its resilience and ability to stifle opposing quarterbacks, presents a significant challenge for Pavia. The Yellow Jackets have been effective in limiting passing touchdowns, and with Pavia's reliance on a ground-heavy offensive strategy, it is unlikely he will exceed 1.5 passing touchdowns in this matchup. Georgia Tech's defensive prowess and historical success against Vanderbilt further support this prop pick.

Jamal Haynes Over 75.5 Rushing Yards Rushing Yards -105 (BetMGM)

Jamal Haynes has been a standout performer for Georgia Tech, complementing Haynes King's passing game with his dynamic rushing ability. The Yellow Jackets have effectively utilized Haynes to control the tempo of games, particularly in their victories over top-ranked opponents. Vanderbilt's defense, which ranks outside the top 90 in defensive rush efficiency, is vulnerable to Haynes' explosive running style. Given his role in Georgia Tech's balanced offensive attack and the Commodores' struggles in containing the run, Haynes is well-positioned to exceed 75.5 rushing yards. His performance will be crucial in Georgia Tech's quest to extend their winning streak against Vanderbilt, making this prop a compelling choice.