Georgia Tech-UCF: Spread, Total, Breakdown and Best Bet for Gasparilla Bowl

Continuing December's bountiful catalog of postseason college football games, this Friday will feature the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

As a staple of the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, the Gasparilla Bowl -- though sometimes under a different name -- has been played in the area every season since 2008. For the upcoming edition, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Central Florida Knights will get together on the gridiron. Of course, UCF is no stranger to this specific game.

Taking place at Raymond James Stadium (home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), the rain is forecasted to stay away on Friday. With that, let us dive into the odds and line for the Gasparilla Bowl, placing an emphasis on the most valuable of the traditional betting markets.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Gasparilla Bowl Betting Odds: Spread, Moneyline and Total

Kickoff: Friday (Dec. 22), 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+

Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Spread: UCF -4.5 (-115)

Moneyline:

• Georgia Tech: +164
• UCF: -200

Total: 66.5

Georgia Tech vs. UCF Analysis

Completing their first season as a Big 12 member, Central Florida proved that their top-tier offense can keep them competitive at a Power 5 level. Behind 32.5 points per game in 2023, the Knights held their own at 6-6. Additionally, this is UCF's eighth consecutive bowl appearance.

Georgia Tech has also played to a 6-6 record this year. Navigating through the ACC, the Yellow Jackets went 5-3 in conference, making improvements for the program in head coach Brent Key's inaugural season at the helm. Still, G.T. is looking for their first bowl win since 2016.

As noted, the Knights have been a frequent flyer at the Gasparilla Bowl and its predecessors' games, making a record six appearances dating back to 2009. Thus far, UCF has thrice won here, and you can bet head coach Gus Malzahn would like to add a fourth victory in Tampa.

Logistically, coming from Atlanta, Georgia Tech will have a much lengthier trip as opposed to the Knights. The Jackets, scoring 31.2 PPG in 2023, will travel nearly 500 miles to arrive in Tampa. Does that mean we see G.T. perform a bit sluggish?

Compared to Tech, UCF has a much shorter journey ahead. Tampa Bay and Central Florida's campus in Orlando are only about 100 miles apart. Simply, I would expect the Knights to get off the bus feeling charged.

In this matchup between UCF and Georgia Tech, both schools are geared behind dynamic offenses. Still, I trust Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee a bit more than Yellow Jackets sophomore signal-caller Haynes King. With a QBR of 76.9, Plumlee was ranked 18th in FBS. Additionally, the senior averaged 9.1 yards per attempt in 2023.

The college football power rankings at numberFire have UCF (8.99 nERD) at 32nd in the nation, while Georgia Tech (2.85 nERD) chimes in 20 spots down at 52nd. Seemingly, all pivotal aspects seem to favor the Knights in this one.

Georgia Tech vs. UCF Best Bet

UCF -4.5 (-115)

On Tuesday evening, I had no issue laying 11.5 points with UTSA in the Frisco Bowl, so I am certainly not deterred by -4.5 with Central Florida.

The Knights are the better all-around team, staying much closer to home and have the more experienced quarterback compared to G.T. Additionally, Coach Malzahn has participated in many bowl games (with UCF and Auburn), whereas Coach Key across the way has not.

Back at numberFire, the CFB game projections propose a 37.69-30.13 estimated score in favor of the Knights. I can respect that the Jackets have improved in recent seasons, but I do not think they are ready to take down Central Florida in Tampa. Looking to start my weekend off on the right foot, give me UCF -4.5.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.