LSU vs. Purdue picks, predictions: 2023 Citrus Bowl Game odds, spread, lines

Picks and predictions for LSU vs. Purdue in the Citrus Bowl Game as the college football bowl schedule kicks off with updated betting lines and odds

College football bowl schedule has moved past the semifinal stage and now kicks off the New Year's slate of games, including the Citrus Bowl between LSU and Purdue on Jan. 2.

Both teams come into the game as conference champion runners-up: LSU, after losing to Georgia in the SEC title bout, and Purdue after falling to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game.

LSU comes into the matchup at 9-4 overall, posting more than 32 points per game on offense while allowing almost 24 to opponents each time out, averaging almost 443 total yards per game, but surrendering 38 or more points in its last two overall.

Purdue boasted a credible passing attack this season, enough to win the Big Ten West, eclipsing 400 yards per game and averaging around four touchdowns offensively, but will be without its main weapons in this game, including its quarterback and top receivers, not to mention its head coach, resulting in the point spread nearly doubling in LSU's favor at most books.

What do the experts think of the matchup? Let's see how the College Football Power Index computer prediction model projects the game.

Citrus Bowl: LSU vs. Purdue picks, predictions

LSU vs. Purdue predictions for 2023 Citrus Bowl / USA Today Images

LSU prediction: The computer is siding with the Tigers, who have the 68.4 percent chance to win the game outright against the Big Ten challenger.

Purdue prediction: By contrast, the Boilermakers have a 31.6 percent edge to pull off the upset, according to the latest FPI projections.

Point spread: LSU comes into the game as 15 point favorites against Purdue, according to the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Total: 54.5 | Over -110 | Under -118

Moneyline: LSU -901 | Purdue +500

Spread consensus pick: LSU -15 (52% of bets are on the Tigers)

Score prediction: Team Rankings projects that LSU will defeat Purdue by a score of 35.4 to 18.3 (LSU -15, Under 54.5)

How to watch: The game is set for Mon., Jan. 2 at 12 p.m. Central time on the main ABC network and streams on fuboTV (Try for free).

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College Football Power Index

Football Power Index (FPI) college football rankings and computer prediction model are a measure of team strength that predicts a team’s future performance.

Rankings and scores predictions are based on 20,000 simulations of a team’s season, using a combination of analytics, including scores to date, quality of opponents, and a team’s schedule.

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College Football Playoff top 25 rankings

1. Georgia
2. Michigan
3. TCU
4. Ohio State
5. Alabama
6. Tennessee
7. Clemson
8. Utah
9. Kansas State
10. USC
11. Penn State
12. Washington
13. Florida State
14. Oregon State
15. Oregon
16. Tulane
17. LSU
18. UCLA
19. South Carolina
20. Texas
21. Notre Dame
22. Mississippi State
23. NC State
24. Troy
25. UTSA

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