Notes: Quite the jump for the Central Florida program, which moved from 0-12 two years ago to a New Year’s Six berth against an SEC power. Scott Frost has accepted the job at Nebraska, but he’ll coach this bowl game before Josh Heupel takes the reigns of the Golden Knights. The biggest news may not be the coaching carousel, but the injury to UCF left tackle Aaron Evans. The lineman started all 12 games and anchored an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed.

It’s safe the say the Knights have not seen a defense of Auburn’s caliber this season. War Eagle ranks 13th in total defense, limiting opponents to 4.55 yards per play (eighth in the nation). The news on the offensive side of the ball is positive, with running back Kerryon Johnson expected to be fully recovered from an injury that limited him during the SEC Championship Game.

There is certainly value in the current 9.5-point spread, as my power ratings make this Auburn -7.5 and S&P+ rates the game Central Florida -1! Motivation is certainly a factor, as Central Florida looks to complete an undefeated season while Auburn did not make the playoff despite beating two teams in it. That said, Auburn’s defense has certainly received some bulletin board material courtesy of UCF.

This cannot be the outcome Auburn wanted after the Tigers faced one of the nation’s most challenging schedules. If the Tigers’ offense is interested at all, they will take advantage of a Central Florida defense that ranked 93rd overall, giving up 428 yards per game. That stat is aided by the Knights’ inability to stop explosive plays; UCF ranks 125th in defending pass explosiveness. Auburn should be able to expose this stat with the nation’s No. 32 ranked pass explosiveness offense.

Auburn’s motivation is key to the cover. If the offense is more along the lines of what we saw against Georgia (the first time around) and not ULM, then Kerryon Johnson will expose a Central Florida defensive line that ranked 110th in havoc rate. I will be playing this game live looking to War Eagle at a better number, but it’s the only side you can take on the heels of a very impressive 2017.

Alabama opened as 2-point favorites over Clemson in the 2018 Sugar Bowl and bettors quickly pushed the Crimson Tide up to -3 over the first few days of betting action. Since reaching -3 on December 8th, the line had not moved off the key number at Bookmaker.eu until sportsbooks were blitzed today with Alabama money, forcing the market to move to -3.5.

Since 7:55 AM ET, Bet Signals have triggered two separate Steam Moves on Alabama, a dead giveaway that influential professional money is responsible for the major line movement.

With the Citrus Bowl about to kick off, in-game and 2nd half bettors should be aware of a crosswind that should pick up as the game progresses.

Baker Mayfield prop bets

Completions: 20.5 (o-130)
Pass Attempts: 29 (o-150)
Pass Yards: 292.5
Rush Yards: 25 (u-130)
TDs: 2 (u-115)
TDs + INTs: 3.5 (u-210)

Red zone efficiency could be difference in Rose Bowl

Dawgs rank 7th in OFF and 37th in DEF inside the 20 per S&P+
Sooners rank 17th in OFF and 95th in DEF

Georgia left, good luck to all that have followed

The one bowl season betting angle you need

"Bet and tease teams which finish the season top 10 in rushing"

Last four seasons:
21-11 (66% ATS)
27-5 (85% 6pt teaser)

2017/2018 Bets:
FAU -21 1/2
ARMY + 6 1/2
ARZ -4
NAVY -1
OSU -7
ND +3
GEO -2

Outstanding action coming in on the Rose Bowl. 53% of cash on Georgia -2.5. And 64% on Over (62.5).

Georgia left, good luck to all that have followed

The one bowl season betting angle you need

"Bet and tease teams which finish the season top 10 in rushing"

Last four seasons:
21-11 (66% ATS)
27-5 (85% 6pt teaser)

2017/2018 Bets:
FAU -21 1/2
ARMY + 6 1/2
ARZ -4
NAVY -1
OSU -7
ND +3
GEO -2