Connect with us

College Football

2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl NC State Wolfpack vs. Kentucky Wildcats Matchup Odds and Picks

2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl NC State Wolfpack vs. Kentucky Wildcats Odds and picks

Jacksonville, Florida makes for a great winter getaway for snowbirds.  Specifically, the Gator Bowl is one of the great traditions in college football.  That status continues on January 2.  The College football betting matchup of NC State and Kentucky is superb.  NC State had a surprisingly good year.  Most important of all gamblers loved the Wolfpack’s profitability.  Meanwhile, Kentucky took a big step back in 2020.  Their popgun offense was not conducive to success in the SEC.  Following a win over Tennessee, the Cats ran on fumes.  Coach Mark Stoops changed his offensive staff after the regular season.

2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Betting Information

Date: Saturday, January 2, 2021
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
TV Coverage: ESPN

NC State Wolfpack vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Odds

Team SP/RL TOTAL ML
Kentucky -2½ (-110) 50½ (-110) -135
NC State +2½ (-110) 50½ (-110) +115
Place Bets

2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, we have serious best sportsbook online SEC bias.  NC State was the more accomplished team in 2020.  But squares are consistently susceptible to SEC hype.  Kentucky’s offense makes laying points quite risky.  Especially against an NC State team with a capable offense.  Gamblers were too impressed with Kentucky’s win at Tennessee.  The Volunteers proved to be a terrible team.  NC State affirmed to be reliable on the board. Sharps loved their hidden value that the masses ignored.  To be exact that appears to be happening again here.  Kentucky was in the red for 2020.

Not So Wild of a Cat Offense in 2020

Kentucky is 4-6 straight up, 4-5-1 against the spread, and 4-6 under the total.  The Wildcats did wrap up the season in grand fashion.  To show they scored a 41-18 win over South Carolina.  Kentucky ranked 107th in the nation for scoring offense and 47th for points allowed.  The last time that Stoops had a losing season was in 2015.  If not for the pandemic Kentucky wouldn’t be bowling.  All Betting on college football win requirements is waived.

Despite the losing season coach Mark Stoops remains in good standing.  His turnaround of the Wildcats has been remarkable.  He took over a program that was being eaten alive in the SEC.  In turn, Stoops has used his Ohio connections for strong recruiting.  He will take good players that Ohio State rejects.

Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr led the Wildcats with 701 yards rushing, 6.9 yards per rush, and 9 touchdowns.  While Quarterback Terry Wilson finished with a 122.4 QB rating, 7 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.

Break out the Wolfpack

NC State finished 8-3 straight up, 7-4 against the spread, and 7-4 over the total.  Overall NC State ranks 45th for scoring offense and 68th for points allowed.  The Wolfpack wrapped up the season with a 23-13 bet on NCAAF cover against Georgia Tech.

Quarterback Bailey Hockman threw for a 141.3 rating, 12 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.  While running back Zonovan Knight led NC State with 736 yards rushing, 5.6 yards per rush, and 9 TDs.

Head coach Dave Doeren has been on and off the hot seat.  But this year cooled his rear considerably.  Doeren has angered fans by considering other jobs.  Sometimes it looked as if he may leave.  Often it seems as if he’s one step ahead of the posse.  But this has been a season that should garner goodwill.  At least for the short run.

2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl CashBet Free Pick  

On this occasion, sharps see a Betting on NCAAF opportunity.  NC State was far and away the better team of these two.  Yet Kentucky is a 2.5-point favorite.  That is a line based on blind SEC propaganda.  On the whole, the Wolfpack has more firepower.  NC State’s defense is average.  Problematic is that Kentucky’s offense won’t be able to take advantage.  NC State’s offensive balance should keep a solid Kentucky defense guessing.

2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl CashBet Best Bet: 

NC State Wolfpack

Promotions

CashBet Sportsbook Promotions

CashBet Sportsbook Promotions

HeadLines

More in College Football