SI - Confidence level very high UCF can stand toe-to-toe with LSU

SI " LSU's defense will be the toughest that UCF has faced this season, and the Tigers have been especially tough against the pass. But last year's Knights played arguably the best passing defense in the nation when they took on Auburn in the Peach Bowl, and they still won 34-27 as 10.5-point underdogs. UCF has continued to show it can compete against elite competition. The Knights made short work of an excellent Cincinnati defense in November, winning 38-13 as 6.5-point favorites."

SI "The Knights have the benefit of facing a shorthanded LSU defense in the Fiesta Bowl. Starting left cornerback Kristian Fulton was lost for the season in early November, and starting right corner Greedy Williams will forgo the bowl game as he prepares for the NFL. Quarterbacks often threw away from Williams this season, and the defense as a whole benefited. The Tigers are 11th in the country in interceptions (16) and sixth in turnover margin. A drop off in talent for LSU's replacements will help UCF keep things close."

SI " As a moderate underdog, UCF is in line for some compelling ATS trends thanks to its explosive offense."

"Over the last five seasons, underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points that both scored and allowed 30 points in their previous game are 98-53 against the spread.
Over the last five seasons, underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points that gained at least 525 total yards in each of their previous two games are 78-38 ATS.
The Knights are a lot more competitive than people give them credit for, and it's clear that the touchdown-plus line in the Fiesta Bowl is an overreaction to Milton's injury that bettors can take advantage of."

"Pick: UCF +7.5"

"Confidence Level: Very High"


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LSU players and coaches will not take UCF lightly, the national sports media are about to get an education on the talent level and abilities of an LSU team that sees this bowl game as a doorstep in preparing itself for the playoffs in 2019.