On the whole, the Birmingham Bowl has one of the most underrated matchups on the College Football betting bowl schedule. Consider the Houston Cougars won 11 games and were one win short of the AAC title. The Auburn Tigers are one of the name-brand programs of the Southeastern Conference. And in coach Bryan Harsin’s first season, War Eagle ran out of gas after a fast start. Of course, Auburn will have thousands of fans on hand with its game taking place in Alabama. But Houston brings a state-of-the-art offense. Coach Dana Holgorsen is a cutting-edge innovator.
2021 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl Houston Cougars vs. Auburn Tigers
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, December 28, 2021, noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama |
| Houston vs. Auburn TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston U | +3 (-110) | 51 (-110) | +128 |  |
| Auburn | -3 (-110) | 51 (-110) | -148 | |
| ||||
2021 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl SBG Odds Overview
The Birmingham Bowl was founded in 2006. At the onset, it was played at old Legion Field until 2019. For this sportsbook season, the Birmingham Bowl will take place at its new home of Protective Stadium. Specifically, Protective Stadium is the home of the UAB Blazers football program. This new venue opened just a couple of months ago. The Birmingham Bowl has tie-ins to the American Athletic Conference, SEC, CUSA, and MAC. The payout for this bowl game is $1.3 million.
Last year the Birmingham Bowl was canceled. Cause by the pandemic did it join the list of numerous cancelations. The Cincinnati Bearcats routed Boston College 38-6 in the 2019 Birmingham Bowl. That game was a springboard for Luke Fickell’s program. UC made history this year as the first Group of Five College Football Playoff team. Desmond Rider rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns against Boston College. Also, Ridder threw for 95 yards and a TD. As a result, Ridder was named the Most Valuable Player of the Birmingham Bowl.
Houston Cougars Team Overview
In the AAC Championship Game, Houston suffered a 35-20 loss at Cincinnati as 10.5-point road dogs. Also, the matchup went over the total of 52. The Cougars stand at 11-2 straight up, 7-6 against the spread, and 8-5 over/under. In sum, Houston has NCAAF metrics of 57th for total offense and 14th for scoring offense. The Cougars have CFB ranks of 7th overall and 28th for points allowed on defense.
Auburn Tigers Team Overview
In their regular-season finale, Auburn lost to Alabama 24-22 in overtime as 20.5-point home dogs. The Tigers and Crimson Tide stayed under the total of 57.5. Now War Eagle is 6-6 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under the total. Auburn ranks 63rd for total offense and 58th for scoring offense. Defensively, War Eagle is 59th overall and 34th for points allowed.
Houston Cougars vs. Auburn Tigers vs. The Line
- In their most recent ten games, Houston is 7-3 over the total
- The Cougars have failed to cover their last six December matchups
- Houston is 5-2 over the total as an underdog
- Auburn went the total in four of their most recent five matchups
- Auburn is 9-2 straight up in December games
- War Eagle has won eight of their last ten games straight up as chalk
2021 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl SBG Free Picks
At the beginning of College Football Betting Bowl Season, Auburn is in turmoil. Bryan Harsin fired Mike Bobo as offensive coordinator. Tank Bigsby and Bo Nix hit the transfer portal. Of great concern is that Harsin feels the heat for that and the loss to Alabama.
Birmingham Bowl SBG Best Bet: Houston Cougars.