2018 Citrus Bowl Big Ten v SEC
The 2018 Citrus Bowl is going to be an intriguing one given the differing preseason expectations between these two and also the styles of play. Penn State were expected to be serious playoff contenders, however, their season stalled in that crazy game against Ohio State, and thereafter it seemed like they were going through the motions at times. Kentucky on the other hand probably had bowl eligibility as a target given they have not really competed in the SEC since the 1970s. However to the surprise of many, they bounced out 5-0 including wins over Florida & Miss State, and at one stage had a potential path to the playoffs open which ended abruptly against Georgia. The following loss against Tennesee was probably a hangover from this and they hen rounded out the season with a couple of fairly easy wins.
They have reached the Citrus Bowl largely on the back of some power running by Benny Snell and a solid defence and this should ensure that they hang with Penn State.
The preseason hype for PSU took a bit of a battering in their opener against Sun Belt side Appalachian State who took them to OT before succumbing, and although they looked to be back on track – racking up 177 points in their next 3 wins, they had a confidence-sapping 1 point loss to arch rivals Ohio State – thanks largely to some appalling play calling, and their playoff hopes ended the following week against Michigan State. They went 5-1 in their last six but that included a solid drubbing by Michigan. Overall Penn State showed they were too good for run of the mill teams but when they played the contenders they were somewhat lacking.
Overall Kentucky look the more battle-hardened of the two and in what could be a close game a better defence and a star running back can often be the difference
Our prediction is for Kentucky to win 30-17
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