Houston vs. Auburn

BIRMINGHAM BOWL - Houston's defense is sixth in the nation in yards allowed per game (298). The Cougars failed to cover their final two games and are 25-9 UNDER the total after two or more straight spread losses. They face an Auburn offense that struggled badly when QB Bo Nix (11 TDs, 3 INTs) was injured, and they won't have him this game as he's transferring to Oregon. Sophomore QB T.J. Finley started the last two games in Nix's place, and Auburn lost both while averaging 19.5 points. One of those was a 21-17 loss to South Carolina as a touchdown favorite, but the Auburn defense is a handful at 33rd in rush yards and points allowed (22.1 per game). They dominated Alabama's offense in the last game for three-plus quarters before losing in four overtimes, 24-22. Alabama ran for 1.9 yards per carry. Auburn is on a 7-3 run UNDER the total, they are 64-41 UNDER against teams with winning percentages above 75%, and they are 33-16 UNDER versus opponents who average 37+ points. Take the UNDER.