Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
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Expert Picks
BIRMINGHAM BOWL (Birmingham, Ala.) -- South Florida has the indisputably superior team and was craving a postseason gig at the Peach Bowl. Then, Central Florida knocked off the Bulls in a thrilling AAC title game, and here they are in Birmingham with few supporters in attendance. Let?s take a leap of faith and assume they are over the disappontment. QB Quinton Flowers is the definition of dynamic, a sharp passer who has exceeded 100 rushing yards in four of the past five games. The Red Raiders? defense has improved, but is a year removed from being the nation?s worst.
BIRMINGHAM BOWL (Birmingham, Ala.) -- There aren't many defenses statistically worse than Texas Tech's, which allows 434 yards a game. South Florida will exploit it, just like the elite teams in the Big 12 did. The Bulls averaged more than 500 yards per game, while their defense yielded only 342. The Red Raiders closed the season meekly, going 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games. I believe USF quarterback Quinton Flowers will wreak havoc using his legs against Texas Tech. Likely rain and steady 20-mph winds are expected at game time so passing could be a problem, but I expect the Bulls' running game will get them the cover.
BIRMINGHAM BOWL (Birmingham, Ala.) -- I'd say "take the over," but it's already 66.5. While that might still be a strong play, I'll go with the Bulls to cover the 2.5 points. Quinten Flowers is incredibly electric for Charlie Strong's Bulls, the Red Raiders are 124th nationally in pass defense and the combination of Flowers on the ground and through the air will make it hard for Nik Shimonek and Co. to keep up.
BIRMINGHAM BOWL (Birmingham, Ala.) -- Oddsmakers were not fooled by South Florida’s difficulty winning games throughout the season. The Bulls' 9-2 record lies in similar territory to Texas Tech's but against stiffer competition. Issues Charlie Strong has had in changing the program should be balanced out by the Bulls' extended preparation. Grab South Florida.
BIRMINGHAM BOWL (Birmingham, Ala.) -- This one opened up at 64.5, so we've lost a little value but once we get into the 60s, the percentages of each number is not as high. South Florida puts up over 500 yards a game with a well-balanced run-pass ratio, but the Red Raiders' weakness is their pass defense. Texas Tech throws for over 325 yards a game and will need to exceed 400 to keep up with the Bulls. Most opponents tried to slow down these teams, but that won't be the case in this up-and-down, high-scoring affair.