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Auburn (-3.5) vs. Purdue (55)
Pick: Purdue +3.5
This is a clear motivational mismatch for Purdue. Auburn did not have its sights set on the Music City Bowl when it entered the season in the top 10. Purdue saw its coach Jeff Brohm turn down his alma mater of Louisville earlier in the month to stay in West Lafayette. Our guess is that probably got the attention of his players that he wants to build something sustainable with Purdue and can complete his second winning season in as many years with a victory in this game. Throw in Gus Malzahn’s 1-4 SU record in bowls and we’ll gladly take the 3.5 points, though we don’t think we’ll need them.