Gasparilla Bowl 2023: Georgia Tech vs. UCF prediction, pick

Predictions for the 2023 Gasparilla Bowl as Georgia Tech and UCF face off

College Football Bowl Season continues at the end of the week with one game set for today, as the Friday schedule finds two Power Five teams on the same field. Georgia Tech out of the ACC faces off against UCF coming off its debut season in the Big 12 in the 2023 Gasparilla Bowl Game.

UCF started off 3-0 this season before a five-game losing streak mid-season put the team's bowl eligibility in doubt. But the Knights pulled through late, winning two of the last three to make the six-win threshold, including a surprise upset over Oklahoma State.

Tech placed fourth in the ACC standings this season behind a 6-6 finish, boasting an upset victory over Miami and another over a then-ranked North Carolina, going 2-2 in the final month of the season and playing rival Georgia close in the finale in a loss.

Georgia Tech vs. UCF prediction, preview

When: Fri., Dec. 22
Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: ESPN network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

2023 Gasparilla Bowl game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: UCF -6
Total: 66.5 points
Moneyline: GT +180 | UCF -215
FPI pick: UCF 67.3% to win

What to watch for

1. UCF on the ground. While a middling team throwing the football, ranking 46th nationally in that phase, the Knights are among college football's best rushing the ball, ranking 5th in the nation by averaging 233.2 rushing yards per game. Key to that production is Doak Walker Award finalist RJ Harvey. He ran for 1,296 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry on the year.

2. Tech at the line. UCF's principal offensive threat runs right into the Yellow Jackets' main weakness. Georgia Tech ranks 128th nationally in rushing defense, allowing almost 226 yards on the ground per game, 28 rushing touchdowns total, and over 5.21 yards per run from opponents.

3. QB battle. Haynes King has played well for Tech this season, finishing as 1 of 2 players in FBS to have at least 2,600 yards passing and 600 yards rushing, joining Heisman winner Jayden Daniels in that category. John Rhys Plumlee is another dual threat, placing 3rd on the team with 473 rushing yards and is 2nd with 5 rushing touchdowns. 

Georgia Tech vs. UCF prediction

Two teams that don't play all that great defense, both equipped with dual threat quarterbacks, led by coaches willing to take chances. This year's Gasparilla Bowl could be one of the more exciting matchups of bowl season.

But one of those defenses is markedly worse than the other. Georgia Tech is among the lowest-ranked nationally against the run, which remains UCF's primary strength on offense, and the Jackets are 129th in defensive success rate. 

College Football HQ picks...

• UCF wins 34-30
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the under

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