There is no overstating how important Scott Frost was to the Central Florida football program. UCF closed out 2015 winless and a complete mess. Then Frost came on board and within two seasons, he had the Knights undefeated and ranked No. 12 in the nation. Despite being hired to become the new head coach of Nebraska, Frost will return to the UCF sideline to finish what he started when the Knights take on Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
- Auburn is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games after a loss.
- UCF QB McKenzie Milton has thrown 13 TDs and 4 INTs in the past 3 games.
- UCF is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games as underdog.
Frost’s biggest success story came from his work with quarterback McKenzie Milton. The diminutive signal-caller has been a perfect fit in the offense, completing 69.2 percent of his passes with 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions while adding almost 500 yards with his legs. Tre’Quan Smith, Milton’s favorite target, has averaged 20 yards per reception and has racked up 120-plus receiving yards in three of the past five games.
However, Auburn is easily the toughest opponent UCF has faced all season. The Tigers rank in the top 25 in the nation in both scoring offense and defense while holding victories over Georgia and Alabama. Auburn’s defense has excelled at stopping the pass, ranking 13th in the nation in passing yards allowed and 14th in sacks. In addition, their offense is in the capable hands of Jarrett Stidham. Be sure to keep an eye on running back Kerryon Johnson, who played through pain in the SEC championship game but struggled.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Several shops tracked by OddsShark (including Sportsbook) set the point spread at -8 for the Auburn Tigers. NCAA football bettors had to wait for the Sportsbook OVER/UNDER value, which was not available at press time; check the live lines pages here for the latest totals updates.
Handicapping prediction models run by the computers at OddsShark picked a 43-40 result in favor of the Tigers. Check the picks page or matchup report during the week as factors may cause that prediction to be re-run. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
UCF Knights vs Auburn Tigers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Auburn brings a 10-3 record (5-5-3 ATS) to the matchup against the 12-0 UCF Knights, who are 7-4-1 against the spread. OVER/UNDER betting has seen Auburn go 7-6 so far and the Knights go 8-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Auburn vs UCF injuries news.
The OddsShark Power Rankings have the Tigers at No. 4 and the Knights at No. 6 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Auburn Tigers' No. 19-ranked offense (36.67 PPG) against a UCF Knights defense that ranks No. 33 at 22.45 PPG. The Tigers passing attack has averaged 232.58 yards per game, less than the Knights give up through the air (243.91 YPG on average).
Defensively, the Knights feature the league's No. 51-rated road run defense, allowing 161 yards per game. Auburn, meanwhile, ranks No. 24 in rushing offense at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
McKenzie Milton led the way last time out for the Knights, connecting for 494 passing yards and a 62-55 victory over the Tigers at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Auburn was hammered in its last outing, as Georgia ran up a 28-7 score against them at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
