EMERALD BOWL

**Utah versus Georgia Tech**

–Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Georgia Tech as an 8 1/2-point ‘chalk’ over Utah, with the total set at 46. ESPN will provide coverage of the Emerald Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 29 from San Francisco beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.



–Utah (6-5 straight up, 2-7 against the spread) became bowl eligible by beating rival Brigham Young Nov. 19 in overtime as a 10-point road underdog, 41-34. The combined 75 points soared past the 58-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the fourth game in a row.

–The Utes appeared to be in control of the contest before allowing the Cougars to post 31 points in the second half. Utah finished the game with advantages in first downs (24-20), rushing yards (251-176) and time of possession (31:55-28:05), while trailing in passing yards (309-240).

–Signal caller Brett Ratliff was 17-of-32 passing for 240 yards with four touchdowns, and ran 19 times for 112 yards and a score. Running back Quinton Ganther stepped up with 21 carries for 131 yards, and wideout Travis LaTendresse had six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown.

–Georgia Tech (7-4 SU, 5-6 ATS) ended its regular season with a setback to rival Georgia Nov. 26 as a five-point home underdog, 14-7. The combined 21 points never seriously threatened the 41-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ improve to 5-1 the past six games with a total attached.

–The contest was tied until the fourth quarter when the Bulldogs scored the winning touchdown. Georgia Tech finished the contest with advantages in first downs (20-13), rushing yards (172-68) and time of possession (34:10-25:50).

–Quarterback Reggie Ball completed 18-of-35 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, and ran 14 times for 64 yards in the setback. P.J. Daniels enjoyed a solid game, running 16 times for 77 yards, while catching six passes for 23 yards.

–The Utes and Yellow Jackets have not played each other the previous five years.

–Utah quarterback Brett Ratliff (ankle) is ‘probable’ against the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech is reporting no new major injuries for this contest.

–San Francisco’s gameday forecast calls for sunny skies, with a high of 60 degrees and a low of 46.