FIESTA BOWL -- Wanted to see this line get back down to a touchdown before locking in. UCF is a great team -- legitimately -- but it is not going to sneak up on LSU the same way it did Auburn a year ago. The Tigers being without two of their best defensive backs is a bit concerning, but I think they win this game at the line of scrimmage and get constant pressure on the Knights. On the other side of the ball, LSU has proven it can score against lackluster secondaries (see: Texas A&M), so I'm not concerned about it winning a higher scoring game than I expect either.

FIESTA BOWL -- The Tigers will be without a bevy of their defensive stars due to either injury or sitting out for the NFL Draft. UCF on the other hand, will be missing star QB Mackinzie Milton. The good news is that the Knights were able to win the AAC championship without him. They are also entering this game with the burden of beating a Power 5 school, after feeling disrespected nationally by both media and the polls. When you combine that with the fact that LSU's offense is questionable at best, LSU could be walking into a gold and black buzzsaw in this game.

FIESTA BOWL -- Motivation in non-FBS playoff matchups can be difficult to assess, but there is no doubting the drive of Central Florida. The Golden Knights have convinced themselves that exclusion from the final four was a snub. And while the loss of superlative QB McKenzie Milton (knee) could have spelled the season’s ruination, Darriel Mack Jr. has held down the fort. Weeks of practice should have him ready to confront the LSU defense that is missing three starters -- NT Ed Alexander and CB Greedy Williams (NFL draft), plus CB Kristian Fulton (ankle). UCF should extend its cover streak, now at 5-1.

FIESTA BOWL -- LSU will save us from our long national nightmare and end UCF's 25-game winning streak with a dominating defensive performance. Aside from the seven-overtime loss to Texas A&M at season's end, coordinator Dave Aranda has been coaching circles around opposing offense consistently throughout the year. Knights quarterback Darriel Mack was solid against Memphis in the AAC Championship Game, but he won't be ready for what the Tigers have in store.