The Texas Tech Red Raiders will meet up with the 24th-ranked USF Bulls at Legion Field in Alabama to play in the Birmingham Bowl. The contest is set to get started on Saturday, December 23rd at 12 p.m. EST and can be seen on ESPN. Currently, oddsmakers have set the South Florida Bulls as a -2.5 point favorite and the game’s total now sits at 66.5.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders squeaked their way into this bowl game against USF after a 27-23 road victory over the Longhorns. In that game, the Lubbock Warriors capitalized on four Texas turnovers and held on for the bowl-clinching win. The triumph gave Texas Tech their sixth victory of the season and their right to play in Birmingham to conclude their season.
The USF Bulls head into this match-up in Alabama after a disappointing but thrilling 42-49 loss to AAC Conference champion UCF. The loss kept the Bulls out of the ACC title showdown after posting an impressive 9-2 record on the season. In that affair, it appeared that South Florida had things wrapped up after an 83-yard touchdown pass by Quinton Flowers put the Bulls up seven with a little over a minute to go. Unfortunately, the UCF Knights returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for the victory.
Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6)
The Texas Tech Red Raiders look to end their 2017 campaign on a positive note after losing five of their last seven contests. Things might be lined up in their favor because the Red Raiders have won six of their last eight bowl games. Their last bowl win came against Arizona State when they defeated the Sun Devils 37-23 in the 2013 Holiday Bowl.
Starting quarterback Nic Shimonek was benched for the Red Raider’s last game against the Texas Longhorns. His backup McClane Carter got the start but was mediocre throughout his time under center. It appears that Shimonek passed his way out the coach’s doghouse.
The senior gunslinger was called upon in the fourth quarter and completed four of his eight passes for 96 yards and two scores. As a result, the Red Raiders came from behind and upset the Texas Longhorns to get them this bowl berth. Overall, Shimonek was rather effective in 2017, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards. He also tossed for 30 touchdowns and only served up eight interceptions while under center. He has been designated as the starter for this game against the USF Bulls.
The Texas Tech Red Raider’s ground game isn’t anything to write home to mom about. They currently are ranked 95th in the nation, rushing for only 141 yards per game. Tailback Justin Stockton does his best to put the offense in third and short situations. In 2017, the senior has collected just under 700 yards rushing with four touchdowns. Backfield teammate Tre King also has 588 yards to his credit to go along with four more end zone appearances.
The combination of wide receivers Keke Coutee and Dylan Cantrell has been money for Texas Tech all season long. The duo has combined for 149 catches for just over 2,000 yards and 15 trips to pay-dirt. Coutee is one of the best wideouts in the nation, catching 82 balls for 1,242 yards and nine scores. Two other pass catchers have well over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns to help bolster the Texas Tech passing attack.
Defensively, Texas Tech has left a lot to be desired in 2017. They are ranked 95th in the country allowing 31.8 points per game. They also surrender to almost 435 yards a match (100th). Linebacker Dakota Allen leads the Texas Tech Red Raiders with 93 tackles. Teammate Eli Howard has 5.5 sacks and cornerback Justus Parker has four interceptions.
(24) USF Bulls (9-2)
The South Florida Bulls have a chance to win double-digit games for just the second time in their university’s history. Also, the USF Bulls are 5-3 all-time in bowl appearances with their last win coming in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl. In that game, South Florida scored early and often and upset the South Carolina Gamecocks, 46-39.
There is little doubt who propels the electric USF Bull’s offense when they take the field on Saturdays. That player would be dual-threat quarterback Quinto Flowers. Flowers has done it all for his offense in 2017, leading the unit through the air and on the ground. So far, he has completed 171 passes for 2,600 yards with 21 touchdowns and only six picks. He also has toted the rock a team-high 182 times for 972 yards and another 10 scores.
Running backs Darius Tice and D’Ernest Johnson handle the running duties when Quinton Flowers hands off the football. Together, the two talented rushers have combined for 339 carries for just over 1,600 yards and 18 trips to the promised land. Tice leads the two with 11 touchdowns and 878 yards gained on the ground.
Basically, three wide receivers pitch in to do all the damage when the Bulls look to move the chains via their air attack. The trio has teamed up for 108 receptions for just over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns. Marquez Valdes-Scantling leads this group with 50 catches for 746 yards. He also is tied for a position-high five touchdown grabs.
On defense, the USF Bulls have been solid since the beginning of the season. Sure, they have given up some points to some good offensive clubs but have been pretty good overall. As of now, the front seven is ranked 22nd in the nation, surrendering only 126 yards a contest. All totaled, the Bulls defense is allowing schools to score 22 points a game (37th). The squad is also relenting to 342 yards an outing (28th).
Prediction
When this line came out on Monday is seen an opportunity to make a play on both the spread and the total. Let’s just be honest, it’s hard to take the Red Raiders seriously as they have been inconsistent throughout all of 2017. On the other hand, the USF Bulls have looked strong and this will be Quinton Flowers last time taking the field as a college football quarterback.
The Bulls also sport the better defenses of the two teams and that could make a huge difference in what is to be a high-scoring affair. For these reasons, I think that taking the Bulls as a -2.5 favorite is the right play. I also think that Nic Shimonek woke up after being benched by head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Because of that, I believe that the Red Raiders will find some ways to put points on the board with their lethal passing attack. No, it won’t be enough to outscore the high-flying USF Bulls but enough to push this Birmingham Bowl game to the over 67. @EriktheHun
To wager on this event or any other bowl game that suits your fancy, go to BetDSI Sportsbook and get it done.
Trends
The Red Raiders are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 bowl games.
The Over is 7-1 in the Red Raiders last 8 bowl games.
The Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Over is 7-3-1 in the Bulls last 11 non-conference games.
