Texas Tech vs. USF Birmingham Bowl Betting Preview

This year’s edition of the Birmingham Bowl features the Red Raiders of Texas Tech against the Bulls of South Florida. It took a big win over Texas in the last game of the year to help the Red Raiders gain bowl eligibility, while the Bulls posted a 10-2 record in a season that ended on a disappointing note with a nailbiter of a loss at Central Florida. Both of these teams feature quick-firing offenses that can pile up the points, so this is definitely a contest that could turn into a track meet before the night is over. Let’s look at your Birmingham Bowl odds preview for this bowl game.

Texas Tech vs. USF Birmingham Bowl Betting Preview

Bulls getting some good work in for the @Birmingham_Bowl on a nice day at beautiful @BSCFootball stadium. #BullStrong pic.twitter.com/trhtkyuHpr

— USF Football (@USFFootball) December 20, 2017

When: Saturday, December 23, 2017, 12:00pm ET Where: Legion Field, Birmingham, AL TV: ESPN Radio: 950 AM (Texas Tech) / 89.7 FM (USF) Live Stream: WatchESPN Birmingham Bowl Odds: South Florida (-3.0), O/U 66.5

Weather Forecast

• Rain: 15^°C/59^°F
• Humidity: 86%
• Precipitation: 92%
• Wind: 6 mph WNW
• Cloud Cover: 100%
• Type of Stadium: Open

Why should you bet on the Red Raiders?

Texas Tech posted a big upset over Texas behind sophomore quarterback McLane Carter, who started over fifth-year senior Nic Shimonek, who has had a good season but who had thrown for only 137 yards in the team’s loss to TCU the week before (in which the Horned Frogs were missing their starting quarterback, Kenny Hill), along with an interception. Shimonek will start the Birmingham Bowl, though, after Carter only threw for 96 yards in the upset win. Tailback Justin Stockton, who leads the team with 694 yards on just 114 carries this season, is reported to have made it out of the concussion protocol and is expected to play, but check the latest injury news before you lock in any wagers. What about the defense? Well, the Red Raiders did edge Texas, 27-23 in that finale, and they beat Baylor and Kansas as well as their nonconference cupcakes to make it to a bowl game. However, this is a team that can stack up well against the run but gives up a lot of big plays through the air. South Florida is a team that can take advantage of that — but can they keep up their scoring with what the Red Raiders can do?

Why should you put your money on the Bulls?

Quinton Flowers threw for 503 yards in the Bulls’ loss to Central Florida, including an 83-yard bomb in the waning moments of the fourth period. He went 24 for 45 in that epic battle, throwing four touchdown passes, and he also led the Bulls in rushing, carrying the ball 20 times for 102 yards and running for a touchdown. He’s combined for 31 touchdowns this year (21 through the air and 10 on the ground) and he has run for 972 yards. The senior has this last game to showcase his talents before leaving the college game behind. South Florida doesn’t have all that much of a defense either. Central Florida had not one but two touchdown bombs in that same fourth period and then answered Flowers’ late bomb with a 95-yard kickoff return to take the lead for good. Charlie Strong finishes his first year at South Florida with a 10-2 record and dominated much of the season with the offensive play of his team. However, the defense needs some consideration before we declare South Florida a real contender for anything approaching a New Year’s Six game.

Birmingham Bowl Betting Trends

Expert Pick and Final Prediction

Texas Tech had not fared well historically in bowl games, as they have covered the spread just twice in their last nine postseason appearances. They’ve also covered the spread just twice in their last seven games. South Florida has covered the spread four of the last six games they’ve played after losing straight up. The Red Raiders might be riding high after that upset of Texas, but the quarterback drama surrounding Shimonek could erode that chemistry. I see South Florida making the most of this chance to knock off a Big 12 foe. I predict a final score of South Florida 41, Texas Tech 37