Staying close to home, UCF takes on Georgia Tech in a battle of plucky upstarts in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Knights managed to prevail and become the Big 12's only newcomer to bowl eligibility after winning three of their last four games. After a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 18, running back RJ Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-13 victory over Houston to reach the postseason.
The Yellow Jackets had an even crazier path to bowl eligibility, upsetting previously ranked No. 1 Miami and North Carolina and giving No. 1 Georgia a late scare. Despite playing one of the best rushing defenses in the country, GT ran for more than 200 yards against the rival Bulldogs in a 31-23 loss. The bowl game is a perfect opportunity to build momentum for next season.
Georgia Tech and UCF have played each other twice in the last four seasons. The Knights defeated the Yellow Jackets in both meetings, including a 27-10 win in Orlando in 2022. Although not every player has announced, UCF and Georgia Tech are expected to have fewer than five key players opt out of the bowl game. UCF cornerback Corey Thornton is the biggest loss after finishing in the team's top 10 in tackles. However, the vast majority of playmakers should participate in the bowl game.
Follow LIVE bowl game updates as Georgia Tech and UCF compete in the Gasparilla Bowl
How to watch Gasparilla Bowl live
Date: Friday December 22nd | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: Fubo (Try for free)
For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo's Pro, Elite, and Premier plans.
Georgia Tech vs. UCF: What you need to know
High motivation: Level of motivation can be a big factor in interest in bowl games, but both Georgia Tech and UCF should be excited to play. The Yellow Jackets haven't played in a bowl game since 2018, but managed to get there behind first-year coach Brent Key. UCF has played bowls in recent years, but a win in the Gasparilla Bowl, just 100 miles from campus, would mark a winning record in the Knights' first season as a power institution. Expect this game to be competitive and exciting.
Funny quarterback fight: The Gasparilla Bowl is a battle of former SEC quarterbacks who have found new life elsewhere. UCF starts former Ole Miss passer John Rhys Plumlee, who is one of the true dual threats in the sport. Over the last two seasons, he threw for 4,500 yards and ran for 1,300 yards to lead the Knights. On the other hand, former Texas A&M starter Haynes King is a quarterback to keep an eye on in the sport. The first-year starter struggled with some growing pains but ultimately managed 35 total touchdowns, including two rushing scores against Georgia. Containing their opponent will be a monumental battle for both defenses.
Defensive gap: Neither defense stands out early in the game, but Georgia Tech's is one of the worst in the country. The Yellow Jackets give up more than 30 points per game and rank 129th in defensive success rate, including 128th against the rush. UCF performs much better situationally, holding opponents to 25.4 points per game. However, the Knights rank 120th in defensive success rate against the rush – where Georgia Tech thrives. Expect lots of points.
Gasparilla Bowl Prediction, Tips
SportsLine consensus odds
Bowl games often focus on motivation levels, but the Gasparilla Bowl should be a moment where both programs play with excitement. Both teams have dramatic, playmaking quarterbacks with the ability to turn games around at the drop of a hat. UCF is the favorite, but Georgia Tech should be able to keep up and make things interesting down the stretch. Pick: Georgia Tech +4.5
What college football picks can you make with confidence during bowl season? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread – all using a proven computer model that has returned well over $2,000 in profit over the last seven-plus seasons – and find out.