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Public betting splits and line movement for Boca Raton Bowl: Central Florida vs. BYU

We break down the public betting splits and how the lines have moved for Central Florida Knights and BYU Cougars in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Bentavious Thompson #24 of the UCF Knights celebrates a play against the USF Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 27, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Photo by Conor Kvatek/Collegiate Images/Getty Images

The BYU Cougars were just one yard away from an undefeated season, which the Central Florida Knights accomplished just a few years ago. And these two teams come together on the campus of Florida Atlantic University today for the Boca Raton Bowl. Also please do not confuse Boca Raton with the retirement community of Del Boca Vista.

So where are sports bettors going as we get closer to game time? Let’s take a look. All odds and info were provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.

Point Spread

BYU is a 6.5-point favorite as of now, with 66% of the handle and 50% of the bets on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Is the public right? Without Marlon Williams playing for Central today (71 catches, 1,039 yards this season), we think the money is right. While the Knights are still very explosive, they lose the guy that opens up so much for other players on the field, just as Gabriel Davis had done for them in previous years.

Also the C. Florida defense is a bit of a sieve, and Zach Wilson and his large offensive line should have no problems running the ball. We’ll follow the cash here.

Over/Under

The total is set at 75.5, with 86% of the cash and 73% of the tickets on the over.

Is the public right? BYU goes through bouts where they struggle to tackle, and the Knights are going through a season like that. Needing more than 10 touchdowns in a 60-minute game sounds like a lot, but keep in mind Central is the No. 1 team in America in pace. The black and gold will get a lot of fast possessions, and BYU will get a lot of efficient ones. We’ll trail the public here.

Moneyline

BYU is -250, and getting 82% of the cash, and 77% of the bets. That makes Central Florida +195 with 18% of the handle and 23% of the wagers

Is the public right? These numbers seem right about perfect. The moneyline is a stayaway from us, but those betting patterns make sense.

Boca Raton Bowl: Central Florida vs. BYU

Opening line: BYU -4.5
Current line: BYU -6.5

Without Williams and with not much incentive to play well, we’ll take the Cougars to cover. But something to be aware of: BYU is 0-8 in school history playing in the state of Florida against in-state teams and in bowl games. But they’ve been on the ground for a couple days, so body clocks shouldn’t be an issue.

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