Central Florida-Rutgers: St. Petersburg Bowl Preview & Predictions

St. Petersburg Bowl: Dec. 19, 2009, at 8:00p.m. in St. Petersburg on ESPN

Central Florida Knights (8-4) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-4)

Opening Line : Rutgers -2.5

Game Preview

If you win eight games and nobody notices, did you really do it? These teams enter this game with one good win between them—UCF's win over Houston in November. Other than that, these teams have gotten fat on the mediocre teams in their league and by beating the likes of Howard and Samford.

For Rutgers, they were clearly outclassed by the top teams in the conference while UCF proved to be unpredictable—beating the spread to the tune of 9-2, which means oddsmakers had a tough time figuring them out. Rutgers may too in this early bowl matchup.

Central Florida Preview

UCF isn't particularly strong in any phase of the game but they are well coached. Don't forget that George O'Leary was once so highly thought of that he had the Notre Dame coaching job. He is their primary weapon as they have no Kevin Smith-type NFL talent on the roster. They will feature 1,000-yard rusher Brynn Harvey and play it close to the vest hoping that Rutgers frosh QB will make a mistake.

Rutgers Preview

This team got shellacked in the opener against Cincy and didn't do a thing all season to try and dispel the notion that they are a third tier team. They like playing smash-mouth football featuring the running game and defense but are not particularly adept at executing either at a high level. Rutgers is hoping that this game will give some confidence to highly touted QB Tom Savage that might carry over to next year. Unfortunately, it looks like his top target, the speedy Tim Brown, will be out for this one.

Game Prediction

Overall the talent advantage is with Rutgers while UCF has the advantage of playing close to home. Rutgers has been uninspired all year and getting out of the cold in the Northeast to play a middling opponent is unlikely to get their motor going. I think UCF can pull the upset here by playing it conservative and pouncing on a Rutgers mistake. O'Leary should be able to get his guys to stay the course and make it happen.

P.S. This game is likely to be very boring.

Score Prediction

Central Florida 24, Rutgers 20

Pick

I know I am predicting the upset but in this case it is always safer to grab the points rather than risk SU money. Take UCF.

UCF Knights Betting Trends

• Central Florida is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
• Central Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Florida's last 6 games.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends

• Rutgers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
• Rutgers is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games.

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