UCF stays near house to face off in opposition to Georgia Tech in a battle of plucky upstarts within the Gasparilla Bowl, performed at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Knights managed to push via and develop into the one Large 12 newcomer to succeed in bowl eligibility after profitable three of their remaining 4 video games. After dropping a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 18, working again RJ Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-13 win over Houston to succeed in the postseason.
The Yellow Jackets had a fair crazier path to bowl eligibility, upsetting beforehand ranked Miami and North Carolina and giving No. 1 Georgia a scare late. Regardless of taking part in one of many nation’s prime dashing defenses, GT ran for greater than 200 yards in opposition to the rival Bulldogs in a 31-23 loss. The bowl recreation is an ideal alternative to construct momentum for subsequent season.
Georgia Tech and UCF performed one another twice prior to now 4 seasons. The Knights beat the Yellow Jackets in each matchups, together with a 27-10 victory in Orlando in 2022. Whereas not each participant has introduced, UCF and Georgia Tech have fewer than 5 main contributors anticipated to choose out of the bowl recreation. UCF cornerback Corey Thornton is the largest loss after rating prime 10 on the group in tackles. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of playmakers ought to take part within the bowl recreation.
Observe together with LIVE bowl recreation updates as Georgia Tech and UCF face off within the Gasparilla Bowl
Tips on how to watch Gasparilla Bowl dwell
Date: Friday, Dec. 22 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN | Reside stream: Fubo (Attempt without spending a dime)
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Georgia Tech vs. UCF: Must know
Excessive motivation: The extent of motivation is usually a main driver in bowl recreation curiosity, however each Georgia Tech and UCF ought to be excited to play. The Yellow Jackets haven’t performed in a bowl recreation since 2018 however managed to get there behind first-year coach Brent Key. UCF has performed in bowls over the previous few years, however a win within the Gasparilla Bowl, simply 100 miles from campus, would clinch a profitable file within the Knights’ first season as an influence establishment. Count on this recreation to be aggressive and thrilling.
Enjoyable quarterback battle: The Gasparilla Bowl is a battle of former SEC quarterbacks who’ve discovered new life elsewhere. UCF begins former Ole Miss passer John Rhys Plumlee, who is likely one of the true dual-threats within the sport. Over the previous two seasons, he has thrown for 4,500 yards and rushed for 1,300 to steer the Knights. On the opposite sideline, ex-Texas A&M starter Haynes King is a quarterback to look at within the sport. The primary-year starter handled some rising pains however finally completed with 35 complete touchdowns, together with two dashing scores in opposition to Georgia. Containing their foe might be an incredible battle for each defenses.
Defensive hole: Neither protection is very notable heading into the sport, however Georgia Tech’s ranks among the many worst within the nation. The Yellow Jackets quit greater than 30 factors per recreation and rank No. 129 in defensive success fee, together with 128th in opposition to the push. UCF fares a lot better situationally, holding opponents to 25.4 factors per recreation. Nevertheless, the Knights rank a hundred and twentieth in defensive success fee in opposition to the push — the place Georgia Tech thrives. Count on loads of factors.
Gasparilla Bowl prediction, picks
Odds by way of SportsLine consensus
Motivation degree usually takes middle stage in bowl matchups, however the Gasparilla Bowl ought to be a second wherein each packages are excited to play. Each groups boast dramatic, playmaking quarterbacks with the flexibility to flip video games immediately. UCF is the favourite, however Georgia Tech ought to be capable to maintain tempo and make issues fascinating down the stretch. Choose: Georgia Tech +4.5
Which college football picks are you able to make with confidence throughout bowl season? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $2,000 in profit over the past seven-plus seasons — and discover out.
