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

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Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones (24) controls the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Lynx of an WNBA game at the Gateway Center Arena, Friday, June 27, 2025, in College Park, Ga. The Lynx won 96-92 in OT. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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