2018 Quick Lane Bowl Big 10 v ACC
The 2018 Quick Lane Bowl this year sees the first Power Five clash pitching 6-6 Minnesota against 7-5 Georgia Tech. Not a clash to get the neutrals hearts racing, but still an intriguing clash of styles given that Georgia Tech loves to run the Ball, while Minnesota are more pass orientated. Both played in the weaker divisions of their respective conferences and neither really figured in the title hopes.
Results wise Georgia Tech started badly and at 1-3 bowl eligibility looked a long shot but once they settled down things go a whole lot better and 2 of those losses were to the teams who fought out the ACC Conference Championship. Their other losses were to an up and down Duke and Georgia in the final game – neither of which were bad. Wins wise included Miami, Virginia & Virginia Tech all of whom are going bowling and in the games they were expected to win they put up plenty of points. Given their schedule, we think that 7-5 was pretty credible and they are justifiable 6 points favourites.
Minnesota had a great start jumping out 3-0, including a nice win over Fresno who has gone on to win the MW conference title and the Las Vegas Bowl, but then went on to lose their next four giving up 173 points in the process. they then alternated wins and losses in their final five hames ultimately clinching bowl eligibility in the final game, against a hugely disappointing Wisconsin – who had nothing to play for at that stage.
Overall Georgia Tech scores more points and have a better point differential, and generate more net yards per game. If Minnesota is to have a chance they will need to stop the run and they have been giving up 170+ yards per game on the ground which doesn’t look too encouraging. We can see TaQuon Marshall having a big day and thus GT gets the nod from us.
Our prediction is for Georgia Tech 33-23
For those who like to keep track of these things, we are 8-6 so far in our predictions.
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