Indiana vs. Tennessee Odds, Picks, Predictions: Spread, Betting Line for 2020 Gator Bowl

Indiana vs. Tennessee Odds, Picks, Predictions: Spread, Betting Line for 2020 Gator Bowl article feature image
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Silas Walker-Getty Images. Pictured: Daniel Bituli

  • Tennessee is a -3.5 favorite over Indiana in the latest Gator Bowl odds, with the total all the way up to 55.5.
  • Indiana has been sneaky-good on offense all season, while Tennessee's defense was excellent down the stretch.
  • Get our Gator Bowl picks and predictions below.

Indiana vs. Tennessee Odds

  • Odds: Tennessee -3.5
  • Total: 55.5
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN
  • Location: Jacksonville, Fla.

Odds as of Thursday evening and via FanDuel, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.


A successful season for Tennessee and Indiana finds the programs in the Gator Bowl.

Both teams covered plenty in the latter half of the season as they flew under the betting market's radar, with Tennessee going 6-1 and Indiana 6-3 against the number to close 2019.

The motivation will be there for both squads as neither has participated in a bowl since 2016.

Indiana offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer, one of the hottest young coordinators in the country, will move on to become Fresno State's head coach after this game.

DeBoer led an Indiana offense that ranked No. 14 in offensive SP+, among the best marks in the country among non-elite recruiting programs.

There are no significant departures to the NFL, but a suspension on the Tennessee side may affect the total early in the game. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is top 40 in the nation in yards per game and touchdowns, but will sit the first half after a suspension from a sideline altercation against Vanderbilt.

A Volunteers rank of No. 6 in pass explosiveness may not show itself until the second half of this game.

Indiana did not miss a beat with quarterback injuries through the season, as Michael Penix Jr. and Peyton Ramsey both played significant time. Penix Jr. remains out for this game, as Ramsey leads a passing attack that is top 20 in success rate but outside the top 100 in explosiveness.

Tennessee fields a top 25 defense in finishing drives, which may limit the points on the board for each Indiana trip past the Volunteers 40 yard line.

Our projections makes the game a pick with a total of 53. Considering the high level of play from the Tennessee defense in the second half of the season — the Vols didn't let up more than 4.9 yards per play in any of their last five games — the Hoosiers' offense may have some issues.

The Tennessee rushing offense is non-existent and cannot take advantage of an undersized 4-2-5 Indiana defense.

Indiana will be worth a look if the side goes to a field goal, but the better bet is a slow paced first half considering these teams rank 97th and 98th in seconds per play.

Pick: First Half Under 27.5

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