Tennessee (10-2) rose to the top of the rankings this season following their 8-0 start to the year. Georgia flexed its muscles in handing the Vols a 27-13 loss in week 10 and a couple weeks later QB Hendon Hooker tore up his knee in a 63-38 loss to South Carolina.
It’s been an up and down year for Tennessee, something Clemson (11-2) knows all too well after a late season 31-30 loss to those antagonist Gamecocks ruined the Tigers chances of returning to the College Football Playoff.
Before Betting on the Capital One Orange Bowl
Hooker was having a Heisman caliber season prior to his injury, throwing for 3,135 yards with 27 TDs to just 2 INTs. Injuries open up opportunities, and former Michigan QB Joe Milton III will get a chance to lead the Volunteers to a bowl win – the only problem is he won’t have the team’s top receivers with both Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt opting out for the NFL draft.
While Tennessee will not have Hooker, Clemson will be dealing with a new (ish) QB as well with Cade Klubnik getting the reins. There are many who thought this move was long overdue, and Klubnik going 20/24 for 279 yards and a TD in relief of DJ Uiagelelei who has transferred to Oregon State.
Clemson vs Tennessee NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Clemson (1.48) | Tenn. (2.75) | 63.5 | Clemson -6 (1.91) | Tenn. +6 (1.91) |
| Bovada | Clemson (1.45) | Tenn. (2.80) | 63 | Clemson -6 (1.91) | Tenn. +6 (1.91) |
| BetUS | Clemson (1.48) | Tenn. (2.75) | 63.5 | Clemson -6 (1.91) | Tenn. +6 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Clemson (1.48) | Tenn. (2.75) | 63.5 | Clemson -6 (1.91) | Tenn. +6 (1.91) |
| Pinnacle | Clemson (1.44) | Tenn. (2.90) | 62.5 | Clemson -5.5 (1.86) | Tenn. -5.5 (2.01) |
| MyBookie | Clemson (1.43) | Tenn. (2.85) | 63 | Clemson -6 (1.91) | Tenn. +6 (1.91) |
Capital One Orange Bowl Prediction & Pick
Not only is Tennessee shaky / unproven at the QB position, their defense has to have some concerns after allowing 63 to South Carolina. Clemson has the offense to match that, with Klubnik being a prized recruit and 1,110 yard rusher Will Shipley also in the backfield.
Pick: Clemson -5.5
