Boston College-Vanderbilt: Mitch Picks The Music City Bowl

The Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl    LP Field   Nashville, TN

Boston College (9-4) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)

December 31, 2008   3:30 EST  The Line: Vanderbilt +3 1/2

Overview:

In the third of five bowl games being played on New Year's Eve, we find two teams who exceeded expectations on the field, though they always exceed the averages in the was of graduation rates. For Boston College, few expected much from them on the field as their best player and No. 3 overall NFL draft pick Matt Ryan had left for greener pastures. For Vanderbilt, they have always been the "also-ran" in one of the toughest conference that has produced the last two National Champions, the SEC.

Boston College had a very nice season, eventually losing in the ACC title game against rival Virginia Tech. While BC didn't get to go BCS bowling, they do find themselves in a nice spot and a chance to play against the SEC.

If the Eagles are going to win they are going to need strong play from QB Dominique Davis who steps in for the injured Chris Crane. Boston College played 10 Bowl teams this season so this game is much like the majority that they played all year long.

Vanderbilt started the season red hot, ripping off five straight and looked to be  a possible contender in the SEC. Unfortunately, Vandy ended up dropping six of their last seven and never seemed to regain that swagger that helped them earlier in the year.

If the Commodores are going to compete in this game they are going to need steady and consistent management from the QB position, something they lacked late in the year.

See Mitch's Music City Bowl pick against the spread