Cincinnati vs Florida State Gasparilla Bowl Preview and Pick
Two teams that completely crapped the bed this season. Meeting in Tampa. For a bowl game that neither fanbase gives a damn about.
Welcome to the Gasparilla Bowl, folks.
Game Info
When: Friday, December 20th, 3:30 PM ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
TV: ESPN (game page)
Line: Florida State -3
Over/Under: 48
How’d We Get Here?
Cincinnati made the damn College Football Playoff four years ago. Undefeated. Desmond Ridder was a star. Luke Fickell had built something special. Now they’re 6-6 and playing FSU in a bowl game sponsored by a pirate festival or something.
The Bearcats have struggled hard since joining the Big 12. The physicality’s different. The depth’s different. They’re still figuring it out. According to Sports Reference, their yards per play dropped significantly from their AAC days.
FSU’s even worse though. They were in the ACC Championship two years ago. Got snubbed from the playoff. Everyone felt bad for ’em. Then they proceeded to stink up the joint for two straight years and now nobody feels bad for ’em at all.
The Matchup
This game’s gonna be ugly. I’m just gonna say that upfront so nobody gets their hopes up.
Neither offense can move the ball consistently. Both defenses are capable of making plays but also capable of completely falling apart. It’s gonna be a rock fight between two mediocre teams and honestly I might fall asleep.
Jake’s note: I literally do not care about this game even a little bit. My team plays Notre Dame tomorrow. I’ll be spending today pacing around my apartment and stress-eating Whataburger. You’re on your own with this one, Mike.
Cincinnati’s gotta control the clock. Run the ball, limit possessions, keep FSU’s skill guys off the field. If this turns into a track meet, FSU’s got more athletes.
FSU’s path to victory is just… being more talented? That’s basically it. They recruited better. At some point that should show up. Whether it actually does is anybody’s guess.
The Pick
I’m taking Cincinnati and the points.
FSU’s been absolute garbage against the spread all year — 4-8 ATS according to TeamRankings. That’s horrendous. Meanwhile Cincy’s at least kept games close against better competition.
Three points ain’t much, but in a game between two equally crappy teams, gimme the points every time.
Mike’s Pick: Florida State 24, Cincinnati 21. Take Cincinnati +3.
Jake’s pick: FSU 27, Cincy 20. I don’t trust the Bearcats offense to score enough. But honestly who cares. This game doesn’t matter. Take whatever. I’m gonna go throw up about Notre Dame now.
— Mike
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