Fresno State (8-4) vs. Georgia Tech (7-5)

Conference Matchup: WAC vs. ACC
Date: Dec. 31
Location: Boise, Idaho
Spread: Georgia Tech -3.5

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This is a matchup of programs with contrasting reputations; Georgia Tech, which seemingly never lives up to its potential, and Fresno State, the once-noted giant killer that consistently performs at a level that is a cut above most mid-major schools. Chan Gailey lost his job because of the Yellow Jackets' perpetual mediocrity; under him, they always seem to field a solid team that was capable of competing with anyone in the ACC. Yet they always seemed to find a way to end up about7-5, headed to a fringe bowl game amid hope that better things were around the corner next year, only to do the same routine over and over again. What's more, they inevitably lost to in-state rival Georgia, and the combination of those factors led to Gailey's dismissal. Paul Johnson will take over next season, but defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta will coach the team in the bowl game. Fresno State was once America's favorite mid-major sweetheart, when David Carr led the Bulldogs to all sorts of upsets against ranked teams and coach Pat Hill loved to rant about the lack of respect they received. But the Bulldogs never did reach the mid-major pinnacle enjoyed last year by Boise State and this year's by Hawaii: the coveted BCS game. The Bulldogs nearly upset top-ranked USC a couple of years ago, but they have basically faded into simply a solid mid-major team that will always contend in the WAC. This team wins the games it should, but doesn't pull off any big upsets. This formula was typified in this season, as the Bulldogs lost to Oregon and Texas A&M, and ran the table in the WAC with the exception of the aforementioned Hawaii and Boise State. A win in this bowl might put them back on the national radar as a mid-major capable of beating teams from BCS conferences. For Georgia Tech, it's a chance to erase a season of mediocrity and welcome new coach Johnson on a positive note.

Fresno State can cover if: the Bulldogs can beat the Yellow Jackets at their own game. The programs are similar in that they fancy a physical style that features a strong running game and a sound defense. Freshman running back Ryan Matthews gained 866 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, while Lonyae Miller and Clifton Smith combined for 1,074 more yards and 10 touchdowns. But they have their work cut out for them against Tech's 11th-ranked rushing defense The programs also are similar in that each suffers from maddeningly erratic quarterback play. It seemed the topsy-turvy Paul Pinegar era at Fresno would never end, but it did last year and Tom Brandstater has been a steady if not spectacular alternative. He has thrown for 2,369 yards and 14 touchdowns against just five interceptions, which is something that plagued his predecessor Pinegar.

Georgia Tech can cover if: the Yellow Jackets dominate the line of scrimmage with their formidable rush defense and make Fresno State one-dimensional. If they can shut down the rushing attack on early downs and force the Bulldogs to throw more than they would like, Georgia Tech has a good chance to take control of the game and exhibit its physical superiority. On offense, the Jackets will turn to Tashard Choice, who led the ACC with 1,310 rushing yards while no other ACC player even gained 1,000. Hopes for quarterback Taylor Bennett were high after he stepped in and had a great game against West Virginia in last year's Gator Bowl (the Jackets blew a huge lead and lost, 38-35), but he has been inconsistent and disappointing, throwing for 2,045 yard with six touchdowns and nine interceptions.

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General Notes: The Bulldogs are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games overall and 2-6 ATS in their last eight non-conference games. The Yellow Jackets are 1-5-1 in their last seven games as a favorite and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games in December.