Auburn Football: 5 reasons Tigers will beat UCF in 2018 Peach Bowl

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. The Tigers will own the line of scrimmage

One of the most effective ways to guarantee success in the game of football is to establish the line of scrimmage early. In this case, the battle at the line should be won quite easily by the Tigers. The Tigers have been solid in run defense this season, limiting opponents to just over three and a half yards per carry.

UCF, on the other hand, has let up 4.4 yards per carry, good for 66th in the nation. On top of that, the Tigers post nearly 30 rushing yards more than UCF in any given game. With the line of scrimmage battle in hand, the Tigers could make it a long, long day for UCF defensive coordinator Erik Chinander.

Head coach Gus Malzahn has always made it a point to establish the line of scrimmage early, and a matchup against a pass-fist offense should give him the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately for the Knights, Auburn has done a great job of capitalizing on the majority of their opportunities this season.