DraftKings Network - Everything you need to know for the 2021 Gator Bowl: NC State vs. KentuckyAnother great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2021-01-02T12:44:44-08:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/219693412021-01-02T12:44:44-08:002021-01-02T12:44:44-08:00Kentucky wins a chippy Gator Bowl against NC State
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<img alt="Signage is displayed for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at TIAA Bank Field on January 02, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z3IOnbBTE58H4sMMEQLXD_F8pd4=/1x0:4498x2998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68610088/1294150801.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Wildcats came in with a below .500 record but leaned on their ground game and came out with a win over the Wolfpack.</p> <p id="oYjDvG">While you were wrapping your head around Texas needing a new head coach, a Gator Bowl broke out between the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> and <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com">NC State Wolfpack</a> on Saturday. This was about as chippy as it gets and while it got interesting late, Kentucky handled <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a> in a 23-21 win.</p>
<p id="MKtHBU">Kentucky went into this game averaging the least amount of passing yards per game among Power 5 teams by a fairly significant margin, and the Wildcats kept the ball on the ground to massive success especially in the first half. Maybe it’s the Big Ten in me, but there’s something beautiful about a game where everybody knows a run is coming, and there’s nothing the defense can do to stop it.</p>
<p id="CRXV7u">The Wildcats finished this game with 281 rushing yards. Asim Rose Jr. carried the ball 12 times for 148 yards, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. put up 84 yards on 17 carries with a pair of touchdowns.</p>
<p id="3EcsOm">Kentucky spent a full nine minutes on its opening possession and went 68 yards on 16 plays, ending with a field goal. The game remained 3-0 till midway through the second quarter when Rodriguez scored from four yards out.</p>
<p id="3MGQZs">NC State put together a decent drive late in the first half, but it resulted in a missed field goal. On the ensuing possession, Kentucky had a touchdown called back and settled for a field goal to make it a 13-0 halftime deficit, as the Wildcats outgained NC State 253-87 in the first half of play.</p>
<p id="rI7XwT">The Wolfpack put together a solid drive to start the second half, but once again it ended with a missed field goal. After a defensive stop, NC State got on the board late in the third quarter on nine-yard touchdown reception for C.J. Riley on fourth-and-6.</p>
<p id="NRgu91">Following an interception, Kentucky capitalized with a field goal midway through the fourth quarter to make it a two-possession game. Aided by three 15-yard penalties the Wolfpack marched down the field quickly and cut the lead to two on a 13-yard rushing touchdown for Zonovan Knight.</p>
<p id="CuQgzC">NC State made a stop and had the ball trailing 16-14 with a little more than 3 minutes left, but Bailey Hockman’s pass was tipped into the air and intercepted by Jamin Davis. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Rodriguez scored from 26 yards out to make it a 23-14 advantage.</p>
<p id="O1emie">The Wolfpack scored quickly to cut it back to 23-21 on a two-yard touchdown run for Jordan Houston, but Kentucky recovered the onside kick to seal it.</p>
<p id="wqLkk5">Kentucky came in favored by 3.5 points, so NC State ended up covering the spread, and point total is a little deceiving as 24 points were scored in the final 5:45 of the game, but it came pretty close as it was set at 50 heading into this game.</p>
<p id="R2Tjm5">Kentucky finishes their season with a 5-6 record, while the NC State football program continues to be the most 8-4 team in college football.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2021/1/2/22210406/nc-state-vs-kentucky-final-score-gator-bowl-bailey-hockman-terry-wilson-jacksonvilleErik Buchinger2021-01-02T08:20:08-08:002021-01-02T08:20:08-08:00Who will miss the 2021 Gator Bowl due to injury and Covid-19/NFL draft opt-outs
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<img alt="North Carolina State v North Carolina" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0RaYUjiV8PnKc_ydDBeBk_X5ONA=/0x0:4773x3182/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68605645/1193849972.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Gator Bowl will take place without NC State All-ACC defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Kentucky cornerback Kelvin Joseph, each of which opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.</p> <p id="pKmO8e">While healthy players rarely skipped bowl games a decade ago, the practice has grown in popularity among college athletes in recent years. The pandemic-affected 2020 season has seen even more opt outs than usual, with players choosing to skip the season before it began or leaving their respective teams to prepare for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>.</p>
<p id="HzVGMY">The Gator Bowl is no exception to these trends, as both the N.C. State Wolfpack and <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> each saw players leave for the pros. Each team also expects multiple players to miss the game due to injury.</p>
<h2 id="gufND0">
<a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a> roster update</h2>
<h3 id="iHMbAc">Injury</h3>
<p id="bb4rts">The game day roster release has sophomore linebackers Drake Thomas and Payton Wilson unable to play. Wilson was an All-ACC first team selection. Wide receiver Jasiah Provillon will not play in Saturday’s game due to an undisclosed injury. Starting quarterback Devin Leary remains out with a leg injury while redshirt sophomore linebacker Khalid Martin continues to miss time with a hip injury.</p>
<h3 id="9SiT7d">Opt-out</h3>
<p id="qblzPP">In December, defensive tackle Alim McNeill announced his intention to forego his senior season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Along with teammate Isaiah Moore, McNeill earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2020.</p>
<h2 id="z1nE7N">Kentucky roster update</h2>
<h3 id="ZTV8Wv">Injury</h3>
<p id="YPgI6t">Reserves Jamari Brown, Taj Dodson, and Torrance Davis enter the game questionable to play with undisclosed injuries. The Wildcats will not have the services of linebacker J.J. Weaver (knee) and Chris Oats (undisclosed medical emergency from offseason). Keaton Upshaw is on the depth chart and should be able to play.</p>
<h3 id="DUAFPs">Opt-out</h3>
<p id="lcC7iH">Back in early December, cornerback Kelvin Joseph opted out of the remainder of the year to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft. Joseph led the team with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a score.</p>
<h3 id="AK9GcI">Coaching change</h3>
<p id="OUlGuL">Keep in mind UK head coach Mark Stoops fired offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and QB coach Darin Hinshaw after a 41-18 win over South Carolina to end the season. Associate head coach Vince Marrow will call plays in today’s game.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/12/31/22208646/gator-bowl-opt-outs-2021-nc-state-vs-kentucky-rosters-news-covid-19-nfl-draftJason Hirschhorn2021-01-02T07:21:59-08:002021-01-02T07:21:59-08:00Public betting splits and line movement for Gator Bowl: NC State vs. Kentucky
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<img alt="Terry Wilson #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats hugs head coach Mark Stoops before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kroger Field on December 5, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dYVBki-lBJNmk0UeiIIgkze3Cww=/0x148:2925x2098/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68609236/1229968752.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mark Cornelison/Collegiate Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We break down the public betting splits and how the lines have moved for NC State and Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.</p> <p id="4jrAi8">The 2021 Gator Bowl gets underway at noon ET on ESPN with the No. 23 <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com">NC State Wolfpack</a> facing the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a>. The 8-3 Wolfpack will be without defensive tackle Alim McNeill, wide receiver Jasiah Provillon, quarterback Devin Leary, and linebacker Khalid Martin. The 4-6 Wildcats will be without linebacker J.J. Weaver due to injury and cornerback Kelvin Joseph opted out in late November.</p>
<p id="fbJhuk">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 <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<p id="AokDwr">Kentucky is a 1.5-point favorite on game day after opening as a field goal favorite. 58 percent of betting handle and 56 percent of total bets are on the Wildcats.</p>
<p id="GHNWDY">The point total opened at 52.5, climbed as high as 53.5 and has since plummeted to 49.5 on game day. The betting public thinks the game finishes over that with 57 percent of handle and 73 percent of bets on the over.</p>
<p id="ZXTx8Q">Finally, Kentucky is -122 on the moneyline while NC State is even money at +100. The moneyline bettors are looking fo some value and taking the underdogs. 61 percent of handle and 64 percent of total bets are on the Wolfpack heading into game day.</p>
<p id="3PRnfd"><em>If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/</em><em>sportsbook</em><em> for full terms and conditions.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2021/1/2/22206928/gator-bowl-picks-nc-state-vs-kentucky-predictions-betting-lines-splits-point-spread-moneylineErik Buchinger2021-01-02T04:00:00-08:002021-01-02T04:00:00-08:00How to watch Gator Bowl game between NC State vs. Kentucky via live online stream
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<img alt="Josh Paschal #4 of the Kentucky Wildcats in action on defense against the Vanderbilt Commodores during a game at Kroger Field on November 14, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 38-35." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RI4GFq_hk7YwV-0JoGz84RR24Ic=/0x0:5760x3840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68608768/1286788403.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We go over how to watch Saturday’s Gator Bowl game between NC State and Kentucky online via live stream. </p> <p id="1wNr4t">You can watch the North Carolina State Wolfpack face the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> in the 2021 Gator Bowl on Saturday, January 2nd at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.</p>
<p id="GJCoXc">The Wolfpack finished the season 8-3 in the ACC, beating expectations along the way behind quarterback Bailey Hockman. Kentucky ended up 4-6 in the SEC, scoring wins over Tennessee, Missouri, Vanderbilt, and a 41-18 victory over South Carolina to finish the regular season.</p>
<p id="7NlRmm">If you can’t watch this game on TV, you have the option to stream the matchup on <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/">WatchESPN</a> or the ESPN app from your mobile device. If you don’t have a cable login, you can get a free trial from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Fsports%2F%3Firad%3D343747%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DNinersNation&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fdknation.draftkings.com%2Fnfl%2F2020%2F9%2F14%2F21436157%2Ftitans-vs-broncos-week-1-live-online-stream-free-nfl-tv-schedule-channel-monday-night-football-espn" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FuboTV</a>, or Sling TV to stream the Gator Bowl this week.</p>
<p id="Iq2xF0">The game is often a little bit delayed on live streams, but usually, it’s only between 30 and 60 seconds behind the TV broadcast. That can impact you if you’re on Twitter during the game or live-betting, but otherwise it’s an easy option.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2021/1/2/22174162/gator-bowl-live-online-stream-nc-state-vs-kentucky-tv-schedule-channelkate.magdziuk2020-12-30T04:45:00-08:002020-12-30T04:45:00-08:00Gator Bowl gift bags and swag
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<img alt="NCAA Football: South Carolina at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MvGxrxvjYnw07TH8Z1owwU0D4qg=/0x0:4142x2761/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68597089/usa_today_15274591.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky and NC State will get the day after New Year’s started, and the participants will be getting some bowl game swag as they head on their way.</p> <p id="gQpLy4">The <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com">NC State Wolfpack</a> and <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are getting ready for some average ACC vs. average SEC action as a bit of an appetizer for some of the bigger bowl games of the day on Jan. 2. There are and will be more breakdowns of this matchup as we get closer to kickoff, but first, let’s analyze what the Gator Bowl is offering up as gifts for the participants of this game.</p>
<p id="YcC6bj">The list of items include a gift suite, JBL noise-canceling headphones and Bluetooth speaker inside a customized box, Maui Jim sunglasses with fitting, a Fossil watch and a backpack.</p>
<p id="eqIzkj">We’ll never know what’s included in the (apparently online) gift suite, but overall the Gator Bowl did well here. Call me old school, but I’ve never transitioned to the tiny little earbuds that stick in your ear because they fall out, they’re uncomfortable and overall a disastrous experience in my opinion. JBL noise-canceling headphones are a solid way to go.</p>
<p id="TwoLHK">Sunglasses? Sure, I can go for some of that. I’m not a watch guy, and I would’ve appreciated more of an explanation of the backpack. Giving it a name or at least some descriptive word would’ve made it somewhat special. Instead it’s making me think like players are going to the Gator Bowl for some back-to-school shopping, which wouldn’t get the fellas in the locker room buzzing all that much I wouldn’t imagine.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/12/30/22197750/gator-bowl-gifts-bag-swag-2021-kentucky-vs-north-carolina-state-jbl-headphones-maui-jim-sunglassesErik Buchinger2020-12-23T11:45:09-08:002020-12-23T11:45:09-08:00Gator Bowl game odds: Opening line for NC State vs. Kentucky
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<img alt="Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops coaches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kroger Field.&nbsp;" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-mbssWSVYtyf7KWRF832vtMo09U=/0x0:4433x2955/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68574019/usa_today_15288625.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We’ve got an early look at the opening odds for the Gator Bowl game between the NC State Wolfpack and Kentucky Wildcats.</p> <p id="JcLKQK">Some people have a problem with regular bowl games continuing to go down after the College Football Playoff semifinal games, but I certainly enjoy it. We are thrown tons of bowls our way day and night, and even though they’re not the most important games, college football gives us a chance to wean off the season. Weaning season starts with the <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com">NC State Wolfpack</a> taking on the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> in the Gator Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 2 in Jacksonville, Florida. The game kicks off at noon ET and can be seen on ESPN and the WatchESPN app.</p>
<p id="Ny2GwT"><em>Odds courtesy of </em><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook"><em>DraftKings Sportsbook</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<h2 id="IzLXYm">
<a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a> vs. Kentucky</h2>
<p id="7jOXRf"><strong>Point spread</strong>: Kentucky opened -3, currently -2.5<br><strong>Point total</strong>: Opened at 52.5, currently 53.5</p>
<h2 id="QhOOzX">How they got here</h2>
<p id="ZZlkgT">NC State quietly had a pretty good season, finishing with an 8-3 overall record including 7-3 in ACC play for a tie for fourth place in the conference. The Wolfpack simply beat the teams it should’ve beaten and lost to the three best teams they played, and they are riding a four-game winning streak heading into this one.</p>
<p id="J5k0yj">As for Kentucky, the Wildcats went 4-6 in their 10-game SEC schedule for fourth place in the East division. Kentucky struggled to put up points against the best team on its schedule, finishing with 16 combined points in losses to Georgia, Alabama and Florida.</p>
<p id="0ZQZA7"><em>If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/</em><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/featured"><em>sportsbook</em></a><em> for full terms and conditions.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/12/23/22194205/gator-bowl-odds-nc-state-vs-kentucky-opening-point-spreads-lines-college-footballErik Buchinger