The Capital One Orange Bowl is back and orange-er than ever. For the first time in nearly 70 years, both Orange Bowl representatives sport orange as the school’s primary color. Tennessee remained a College Football Playoff hopeful late into the year before a 2-2 November. Clemson won the ACC, but a catastrophic outing against Notre Dame in South Bend dashed any hope of the final four. With an outside shot as the season dwindled, a one-point loss to South Carolina became the final nail in the proverbial coffin. Clemson comes in as a 6-point favorite with the total set at 61.5.
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee seemingly had it all through October, but after wins against LSU and Alabama, the wheels came spinning off against No. 1 Georgia and unranked South Carolina. In the loss to the Gamecocks, quarterback and Heisman candidate Hendon Hooker tore his ACL, effectively ending his season and college career. Joe Milton – Hooker’s replacement – started one game, throwing for 720 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The Volunteers led the country in points per game (47.3) and finished top-five in passing yards per game and total yards of offense per game. Stud wide-out Jalin Hyatt opted out of the postseason, giving Milton one less target.
The Volunteers also average 205.8 rushing yards per game thanks to the efforts of Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright. Small averaged 4.8 yards per carry and rushed for 696 yards and 12 scores. Wright averaged 5.8 yards per carry, rushing for 786 and 10 touchdowns. Look for Tennessee to get these two going early so Milton can open up the passing game.
Defensively, the Volunteers give up 23.5 points and 414.3 total yards of offense per game. Tennessee gives up 287 passing yards per game, ranking 252nd in the country. One good thing for Tennessee is that its rush defense has been great this season. The Volunteers give up 111.8 rushing yards per game, posing one of the greater threats to Will Shipley and Clemson’s rushing attack.
Clemson Tigers
The Cade Klubnik era has begun at Clemson after D.J. Uiagalelei entered the transfer portal before committing to Oregon State. Klubnik played in nine games this season, racking up 377 passing yards to go along with 2 passing touchdowns and an interception. Clemson’s offense averages 34.7 points and 416.3 total yards of offense per game (87th). Breakout running back Will Shipley rushed for 1,110 yards on 5.8 yards per carry and had 15 rushing touchdowns this season.
Defensively, the Tigers give up 20.1 points and just over 100 rushing yards per game, allowing an average of 350.7 total yards of offense. Clemson’s defense has been its key this entire season. However, the Tigers will miss EDGE Myles Murphy
Betting Trends
- Tennessee is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 non-conference games.
- The over is 6-1 in Tennessee’s last 7 bowl games.
- The Tigers are 11-3 ATS in its last 14 bowl games.
- The under is 9-3 in Clemson’s last 12 bowl games.
The Don’s Capital One Orange Bowl Best Bet
My official play in this one is under 61.5. Both defenses are going to play tremendously and I think this is going to be a very close game. My lean is Tennessee +6. I think the Volunteers can keep it close, but I am worried Clemson gets up double-digits, burying Tennessee early.
