The UCF Knights have not lost a game in two seasons yet continue to be shut out of serious college football playoff consideration. A clear difference exists between Group of Five and Power Five teams in the eyes of the playoff committee. And while the Knights schedule was not top tier, they have proven to be resourceful. Most important of all UCF posted bet on College Football profits by a wide margin. LSU has a shot at a ten-win season in Ed Orgeron’s second year as head coach. In the same way Orgeron is gaining respect and vindication.
Fiesta Bowl
LSU Tigers vs. UCF Knights
Date and Time: Tuesday, January 1, 2018, 1 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Bet on College Football Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU | -7½ (EV) | 55½ (-110) |  |
| Central Florida | +7½ (-120) | 55½ (-110) | |
| |||
Fiesta Bowl TV Coverage: ESPN
UCF Knights
Central Florida is the two-time defending champion of the American Athletic Conference. Extending that status is strong bet on College Football value. UCF has a record of 12-0 straight up, 9-3 vs. the odds, and 4-8 under the total. Most important of all the Knights have strong momentum with five payouts in their last six games. Last time out was a 56-41 home payout over Memphis in the American Athletic Conference championship game. Central Florida has national rankings of third for total offense and 25th for points allowed. However, star quarterback McKenzie Milton is out with injury.
LSU Tigers
LSU has a sportsbook record of 9-3 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 6-5-1 over the total. Although it’s a good season the Tigers suffered a frustrating 74-72 loss at Texas A&M in their final game. So too were there some controversial officials calls that went A&M’s way. As a result, the Bayou Bengals finished tied for second in the West Division of the SEC. Still, the Tigers program is in a far better state than what was expected when Ed Orgeron took over. LSU has national rankings of 46th for scoring offense and 22nd for points allowed.
Stats to Consider
In view of Milton’s injury, the spotlight is now on Central Florida backup quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. In the AAC championship game Mack delivered a sensational performance with 348 yards passing and two touchdowns. Additionally, Mack ran for 59 yards with four touchdowns. Most important of all the Knights railed from a 17-point halftime deficit.
Team vs. Team
Specifically, LSU has been in the red as a road favorite the past four seasons. In fact, the Tigers have failed to cover seven of their last 11 in that role. Four of their last six as road chalks have gone under the total. Conversely, UCF has been in the black as an away dog. The Knights have gotten the money in nine of their last 14 getting points on the road. Four of their last six in that role have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
In spite of Milton’s injury, the Knights have a bet on College Football Matchup edge on offense. Simultaneously LSU’s offense was improved but still lacking a dynamic presence. As mentioned earlier Central Florida is a strong value as a dog.
Fiesta Bowl Bet on College Football Picks
Central Florida looks like a live dog in this one!
Fiesta Bowl Bet on College Football Pick: Central Florida Knights
Fiesta Bowl Bet on College Football Score Prediction: Central Florida 24, LSU 27
Catch highlights of UCF’s win over Memphis in the AAC title game!