College football bowl games: Who plays today Thursday December 21? | Teams, times and matchups

Boca Raton, Florida, hosts the only Bowl Season match today: South Florida Bulls vs Syracuse Orange.

South Florida has an interim coach, Nunzio Campanelli, while Syracuse has had some changes in their coaching staff, too; after Dino Barbers left the head coach position after seven years working with the “Orange,” Fran Brown was promoted on December 4 as their new coach. The media and the NCAA analysts have suggested that South Florida may have an advantage due to the coaching change, but Syracuse remains optimistic despite the changes.

Syracuse has a full defense lineup, which is essential for their strategy and was during the regular season, while their offense is challenged with key players missing, including a backup quarterback stepping into a starting role. South Florida faces potential absences in their offensive line, which could significantly impact their game plan.

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The weather may also play a role, as Syracuse is trading the snowy environment of central New York for the more temperate climate of Boca Raton. The change in scenery could add an extra layer of motivation for the Orange.

Syracuse has a strong track record as a favorite, covering the betting spread against them in 13 of their last 14 games. Meanwhile, South Florida has shown resilience as an underdog, going 5-2 against the spread. However, there are some uncertainties for both teams. Syracuse’s starting edge rusher, Leon Lowery, is in the portal, while defensive end Terry Lockett watched the last game against Wake Forest from the sideline. There are concerns about missing key offensive linemen on the South Florida side.

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Analyzing the teams statistically, South Florida excels in rushing success defense, ranking 20th nationally. However, they struggle in rushing explosiveness, sitting at 130th in the last six weeks. Syracuse’s defense ranks 20th in points per quality possession allowed, providing a challenge for a USF offense that has had difficulty finishing drives.

Despite the statistical analysis favoring Syracuse, there’s a strong undercurrent of motivation for South Florida. The Bulls have defied expectations this season, earning a bowl game berth when few predicted it. This motivational edge may tilt the scales in their favor.