UCF stays near residence to face off towards 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 change into the one Huge 12 newcomer to achieve bowl eligibility after profitable three of their ultimate 4 video games. After dropping a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 18, operating again RJ Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-13 win over Houston to achieve the postseason.
The Yellow Jackets had an excellent 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 speeding defenses, GT ran for greater than 200 yards towards the rival Bulldogs in a 31-23 loss. The bowl sport is an ideal alternative to construct momentum for subsequent season.
Georgia Tech and UCF performed one another twice previously 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 decide out of the bowl sport. UCF cornerback Corey Thornton is the largest loss after rating prime 10 on the crew in tackles. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of playmakers ought to take part within the bowl sport.
Comply with together with LIVE bowl sport updates as Georgia Tech and UCF face off within the Gasparilla Bowl
The way to watch Gasparilla Bowl dwell
Date: Friday, Dec. 22 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN | Dwell stream: Fubo (Strive without cost)
For a restricted time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo’s Professional, Elite and Premier plans.
Georgia Tech vs. UCF: Have to know
Excessive motivation: The extent of motivation could be a main driver in bowl sport curiosity, however each Georgia Tech and UCF ought to be excited to play. The Yellow Jackets haven’t performed in a bowl sport 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 report within the Knights’ first season as an influence establishment. Count on this sport 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 among 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 speeding scores towards Georgia. Containing their foe will likely 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 sport and rank No. 129 in defensive success fee, together with 128th towards the frenzy. UCF fares a lot better situationally, holding opponents to 25.4 factors per sport. Nevertheless, the Knights rank a hundred and twentieth in defensive success fee towards the frenzy — the place Georgia Tech thrives. Count on loads of factors.
Gasparilla Bowl prediction, picks
Odds by way of SportsLine consensus
Motivation degree usually takes heart stage in bowl matchups, however the Gasparilla Bowl ought to be a second during which each applications are excited to play. Each groups boast dramatic, playmaking quarterbacks with the power to flip video games instantly. UCF is the favourite, however Georgia Tech ought to have the ability to maintain tempo and make issues fascinating down the stretch. Decide: Georgia Tech +4.5
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