Written by Rohit Ghosh
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Ohio vs UAB: Bahama Bowl Analyst Pick
AccuScore simulated this game 10,000 times based on extensive player and team statistics for both teams
Friday features the Bahama Bowl with Ohio and UAB facing off at Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau. UAB won a school-record eight games to reach its second-ever bowl game. Impressive when you consider the school shut down its football program just a couple years back.
Let's take a closer look at this matchup and how to bet the game:
Vegas Odds
Ohio opened as 7-to-7.5-point favorites before settling in a half-point-to-point lower. The total opened at 57 before some public action pushed it up a couple points.
Betting Line: Ohio -6.5
Total: 59
At the time of publication, 52 percent of the public were taking the points and picking Ohio. According to William Hill US, about 76 percent of the total dollars wagered are on UAB.
56 percent of the action on the total has been on the OVER.
Betting Trends
• UAB is 5-0 against the spread (ATS) vs. a team with a winning record.
• The OVER is 5-0 in Bobcats last five non-conference games.
What to Watch For
Winning the Game on the Ground: This matchup largely comes down to who wins the ground game. UAB's run defense ranks No. 25 in the nation, going up against an Ohio offense that's putting up 5.6 yards per carry to go along with 40+ rushing TDs on the season.
The UAB defense is projected to force 1-plus takeaway on Friday. The Ohio ground game averages about 5.67 yards per carry in the sims.
QB Leading the Way: Ohio QB Nathan Rourke put together an impressive regular season in 2017, putting up 2,018 yards passing with 15 TDs and seven INTs.
Rourke is projected to finish with 175 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.
AccuScore has top rated expert picks and detailed forecasts for every Bowl Game: College Football Bowl picks
Analyst's Pick: Free Pick Friday
UAB covers in a close game
UAB is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games, and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games after recording fewer than 170 passing yards in their previous game.
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