The excitement is building for the 2024 Birmingham Bowl, where the Vanderbilt Commodores are set to face off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Friday. Georgia Tech enters the game with a stronger regular-season record of 7-5 and has historically dominated the matchup, winning the last six encounters with Vanderbilt. However, the Yellow Jackets have struggled on the road this season, holding a 1-4 record in away games.
Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is aiming to bounce back from a challenging finish to the season, concluding with a 6-6 record after suffering three consecutive losses. The matchup will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. As per the latest odds, Georgia Tech is favored by 3 points, with an over/under total of 49.5 points.
Georgia Tech’s starting quarterback, Haynes King, confirmed his participation in the game after an impressive season where he threw for 1,910 yards, recording 11 touchdowns and only one interception, despite dealing with injuries. In the regular-season finale, he showcased his dual-threat ability with a remarkable performance that included 303 passing yards and 110 rushing yards in a thrilling 44-42 eight-overtime loss to Georgia.
The Yellow Jackets had a record of 6-5-1 against the spread this season, successfully covering in two of their last three games. They have been particularly effective when favored, boasting a 6-1 record in their last seven matchups under those circumstances.
On the flip side, Vanderbilt has also demonstrated resilience, finishing the season with an 8-4 record against the spread. The Commodores excelled as underdogs, covering the spread in seven out of nine occasions. Quarterback Diego Pavia has made significant contributions throughout the season, throwing for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns. He notably led Vanderbilt to an unforgettable upset against Alabama earlier this year.
As fans and bettors prepare for this exciting matchup, both teams present compelling arguments for potential success. The advanced simulation model has predicted outcomes based on thousands of simulations, suggesting key insights into point totals and spread predictions.
In a matchup where both teams have something to prove, the Birmingham Bowl promises to be an exciting contest that could showcase college football at its best. With a chance for either squad to come out victorious, fans can look forward to an intriguing competition that highlights talent and determination on both sides.