The preconceived notion is the Power Five is better than the Group of Five, and the best Power Five conference is the SEC. So, No. 7 Auburn should handle No. 12 Central Florida easily... right? In the words of College GameDay host Lee Corso, “Not so fast!”

The inaugural bowl game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium pits one of the best offenses in the country against one of the best defenses. Don't count out the Group of Five, they have surprised a lot of people in the last couple years. Plus, UCF is no stranger to winning as double-digit underdogs. Here are five reasons why this New Year's Day matchup will be closer than experts think.

> Also: 5 reasons to watch Peach Bowl

About the Author

Keep Reading

Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter runs after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks to constituents during a Town Hall his office held on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Atlanta, at Cobb County Civic Center. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Jason Allen)

Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution