2008 Emerald Bowl Preview
The 2008 Emerald Bowl between Miami, Fla., and California has drawn plenty of interest from bettors, most of them backing California, as the line on the game has climbed all the way to Cal -10.5
That's quite a few points to lay in a bowl game and a wager I'm not about to make. While California has the better team, laying double digits in bowl games is generally a quick way to see your bankroll decrease in the long run.
A lot of the line movement has to do with the quarterback situation at Miami, where starter Robert Marve will miss the game and be replaced by Jacory Harris. This move actually favors the Hurricanes in my opinion.
California's Kevin Riley is a decent quarterback, who won't win you many games, but won't lose for them for you either, as he threw just six interceptions on the season, while tossing 14 touchdowns.
The Cal offense is centered around Jahvid Best, who rushed for an amazing 8.0 yards per carry this season.
Miami is likely to try and take some of the pressure off of Harris, who is a true freshman and I expect the Hurricanes to make a sound effort at establishing the run, which won't be easy against a tough defense.
The total has moved from 49 to 51, which I believe is probably the wrong direction.
2.5* Under 51
