Pick: Kentucky +6.5
The Kentucky Wildcats were one of the feel-good stories in college football early on this season. Reality set in when Mark Stoops’ squad took it on the chin against Georgia, but we have to think they’re thrilled to be playing in a New Year’s Day bowl game. However, Penn State probably did not have its eyes on the Citrus Bowl back in August. Josh Allen, Kentucky’s best defensive player and a likely top 10 draft pick is playing in this game. Given the recent trend of top NFL prospects sitting in bowl games, we’ll bank on the rest of this Wildcats defense playing inspired football behind Allen. The run game was also one of Kentucky’s strengths all year as Benny Snell’s name popped up in Heisman chatter early on. We love this spot for Kentucky and will certainly take the 6.5 points they’re catching.