Public betting splits and line movement for Citrus Bowl: Auburn vs. Northwestern

On New Year’s Day the No. 14 Northwestern Wildcats will head down to Orlando to take on an SEC opponent, the Auburn Tigers in the Citrus Bowl.

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

Northwestern is currently a four-point favorite, with 47% of the handle and 59% of the bets rolling with the ‘Cats.

Is the public right?

Yes, Northwestern’s defense is playing as good as anybody in the country right now and Auburn doesn't even have its head coach. The Wildcats’ offense needs some work, but they should be able to do enough to beat the Tigers by at least a touchdown.

Over/Under

The point total is currently sitting at 43.5 with 62% of the handle and 65% of the bets slamming the over.

Is the public right?

Neither of these teams have a fantastic offense. Northwestern has seen a lot of contributors enter the transfer portal and Auburn has been a mess all season. Though defensive scores are totally in play today. Even though the total is low, I’m still taking the under.

Moneyline

Auburn is sitting at +150 while Northwestern is at -186 on the moneyline. 55% of the handle and 49% of the bets are rocking with Pat Fitzgerald and his crew.

Is the public right?

Auburn has lost five of their last seven bowl appearances where Northwestern has won three straight and four of their last five. The ‘Cats always seem to get up for bowl games because historically a Big Ten title is just unrealistic. Northwestern is also trying to get career victory 400 for retiring defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, so they’ll be amped for this one.

The Tigers on the other hand just fired their head coach and there are a ton of questions surrounding the future of the program. ‘Cats should get the win.

Citrus Bowl: Auburn vs. Northwestern

Opening line: Northwestern -3
Current line: Northwestern -4

Analysis

The line moved in NU’s favor a tiny bit, probably because of the uncertainty surrounding the Aubrun program after the firing of its head coach. If these teams play anything like they have all season, the line moved in the right direction.

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