-
Andrew Rogers
Gasparilla Bowl Prediction: UCF vs. Marshall Odds
Not only is UCF steaming following a subpar season that culminated in the Knights failing to reach a New Year’s Six bowl game, they’ll also have a major crowd advantage with the game being played just 100 miles from their home digs in Orlando.
Gasparilla Bowl Betting Analysis
It’s one of the biggest spreads of any game during the 2019-20 bowl season – and there will still be a flood of action on the favoured Knights. But bettors take note: UCF is just 1-4 ATS in its past five games as a favourite of 14+ points, with its lone cover over that span coming by a scant three points. The Thundering Herd, on the other hand, are an impressive 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games when receiving 14 or more points.
UCF’s involvement in this game has resulted in a total sitting in the low-60s in the days before kickoff. The Knights have finished above the total in five of their previous six games following a straight-up victory, and are 11-4 O/U in their previous 15 vs. Conference USA opponents. The Thundering Herd are also trending in that direction, cashing the Over in four of their past five games against teams above .500 and six of their past eight as an underdog.
Central Florida Knights
Can the Knights overcome the sting of being excluded from the big-boy bowl games and finish strong? The talent is certainly there, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel; he threw just two INTs over his final six games while surpassing the 270-yard plateau five times with 12 TD passes over that span. Turnovers will be key, as well: UCF has a plus-9 differential in its nine victories this season, and a minus-7 margin in its three defeats.
Marshall Thundering Herd
There’s something about bowl season that brings out the best in the Thundering Herd, who have won seven consecutive bowl appearances and 12 of their previous 13 postseason contests. And they have a legitimate shot at extending that streak despite being significant underdogs, as long as they can continue their strong turnover showing. Marshall is a perfect 8-0 on the season when finishing with two or fewer turnovers in a game.
UCF
MRSH