Georgia Tech vs. Utah: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for Sun Bowl

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets look to avoid a seventh straight bowl loss as they take on the Utah Utes in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. 

While the Yellow Jackets are tied for fourth among FBS teams with 15 consecutive bowl appearances, they've struggled to find success in recent years. Oddly enough, the start of the losing streak came at the hands of Utah back in the Emerald Bowl in 2005. 

The Utes, on the other hand, have had great success in postseason play, going 6-1 under head coach Kyle Whittingham. His first came as a co-head coach against Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, and his most successful victory was over Alabama in the 2007 Sugar Bowl. 

However, Utah was embarrassed by Boise State a year ago, and the Utes are hoping to rebound strong this bowl season. 

Going up against the option attack is no easy task, but with plenty of time to prepare the Utes should be ready. Granted, it's very hard to prep for the speed of the Yellow Jackets. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this postseason showdown. 

When: Sat. Dec 31 at 2:00 p.m. ET 

Where: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX 

Watch: CBS 

Betting Line 

The Yellow Jackets are favored by a field goal, and they should be able to cover. The Utes haven't been very successful this season against speed teams, and the Yellow Jackets are loaded with quickness. 

Key Storyline 

Will the Utes be able to stop the Yellow Jackets' dominant rushing attack? 

Georgia Tech's run game ranks third in the nation, but Utah ranks seventh in the country against the run, so it should be a tough battle in the trenches. The option could be devastating for Utah, but it could also do the same for the Yellow Jackets if the Utes are able to shut them down. 

The Utes will also be without offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who recently took over as head coach for the Hawaii Warriors. It will be interesting to see how the Utes handle life without Chow to help the offense out.

Who Might Not Play for Georgia Tech 

According to USA Today

LB Morgan Carter (undisclosed): Questionable 

CB Louis Young (disciplinary): Doubtful 

Who Might Not Play for Utah 

According to USA Today

DL Dave Kruger (ankle): Probable 

RB John White IV (ankle): Probable 

OL Sam Brenner (neck): Probable 

WR DeVonte Christopher (chest): Questionable 

WR Anthony Denham (hamstring): Questionable 

What It Means for Georgia Tech 

A win would get the monkey of the Yellow Jackets' back, so to speak. However, a seventh straight bowl-season loss would be cause for major concern. 

Georgia Tech desperately needs to win in the postseason. Mediocre seasons lead to odd bowl-game sites, but the more the Yellow Jackets lose the less likely their fans are to travel and support the team.

Head coach Paul Johnson can't afford to lose this game. 

What It Means for Utah 

As expected, the Utes had a decent season in the first year in the Pac-12. With recent success in the postseason, the Utes need to show that it's a common trend for them to win, and that a rough and vigorous season won't hurt them in the bowl game. 

A victory over a quality ACC opponent will give the Utes program a good boost in confidence moving forward, but a loss could hurt them in recruiting. 

What They're Saying 

Kurt Kragthorpe writes for The Salt Lake Tribune, and he tweeted how unsuccessful the Yellow Jackets have been in recent bowl games.

When teams have a long period of time to prep for the option attack, it doesn't help the Yellow Jackets very much and the evidence is seen in their last few bowl games. Still, Georgia Tech has to get past this and stay focused. 

The lack of postseason success for Paul Johnson is on the minds of many, and if he and his team fall short once again it could raise a few questions about his future with the program.  

Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham told the Desert News that playing against the Yellow Jackets will be tough but his team will be ready. 

"

We've got our hands full. We've got our work cut out for us — without a doubt. Fortunately we've got a little background in it. In all those years [against Air Force], you never truly stop a option offense. You just try to slow it down. 

"

Utah didn't play against the option this season, but Whittingham and his squad know the proper ways to approach a game against the rushing attack, which is what will make this such a good game. 

It's a battle of a strong run defense versus a dominant run offense, and it remains to be seen which one will prevail. 

With so much time to get ready, one would think the defense has the edge, but you never can tell until the game starts. 

Georgia Tech Player To Watch 

Tevin Washington is what makes the Yellow Jackets offense go. The junior quarterback has had his ups and downs in the passing game, but he does lead the team in rushing. He has 10 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns.  

A smart game from him is needed if Georgia Tech wants to end their bowl-game losing streak. Washington needs to follow the game plan and execute in big moments in order for the Yellow Jackets to win. 

Utah Player To Watch 

While all the talk surrounds the Utes run defense versus the Yellows Jackets option attack, keep an eye on John White IV. 

The junior running back should be good to go on Saturday, and the Utes will need him to deliver on the big stage. Keeping the option attack on the sidelines is one of the best ways to shut them down. 

If White IV can perform at a high level, it will greatly increase the Utes' chances of pulling the upset. 

Key Matchup 

It's no secret that the Utes have to slow down the Yellows Jackets run game. Georgia Tech averages 317 rushing yards per game, but if Utah can keep them under the 300 mark then it has a great shot at winning. 

A slow start from the Yellow Jackets will bode well for Utah, as Georgia Tech has a very difficult time playing from behind. Look for the Yellow Jackets to try to get an early lead, which means Utah has to come out strong right from the start. 

Prediction 

This game will be close throughout, as neither team will allow the other to run away with it. Georgia Tech and Utah are evenly matched, which makes for a great game to watch on New Year's Eve. 

In the end, the Yellow Jackets' postseason woes will continue as the Utes take the lead in the second half and manage to hang on to win a close one. 

Utes 33, Yellow Jackets 27