There is a chip on the shoulder of the Indiana Hoosiers, because while are not unhappy to be playing in the post- season, they would be much more delighted to have had an opportunity to win the Big Ten Championship. But such a thing was denied to them, and so they'll have to settle for a berth in the Outback Bowl and a little protest to go along with it.

Their opponents are the Mississippi Rebels, who, well, can best be characterized as a team that takes a lot and gives a lot back.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and it will be televised on ESPN.

Remember that BetAnySports customers can get reduced juice for better odds, and can keep the action going after the kickoff with Sports Betting Prime.

Indiana had a banner season in the shortened Big Ten schedule. They were able to play seven games, covering all of them, losing straight-up only by a 42 -35 count to Ohio State. But they beat the likes of Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin along the way. There was a rule in the Big Ten that prohibited any team without six games under its belt from playing in the conference championship game. That would have given Indiana a ticket into a matchup against Northwestern, but the conference gave Ohio State a special exception, so that left Indiana out in the cold, so to speak.

Head coach Tom Allen was incensed, to say the least. And in the way of protest, the Hoosiers have decided to take the Big Ten logo off their jerseys and helmets.

Ole Miss compiled a 4 - 5 record, both straight - up and against the points. This was the first season under coach Lane Kiffin, and it was clear that his offensive system got results. But there was a lack of defense as well. The Rebels scored over 40 points on five different occasions, and also gave up 40 or more points five times. But maybe there's something to build on for the future.

In the college football betting odds that have been posted on this game by the folks at BetAnySports, Indiana is a considerable favorite, even without its starting quarterback in the lineup:

Indiana Hoosiers - 9.5 (-115)
Mississippi Rebels + 9.5 (-105)

Over 67 points -110
Under 67 points - 110

Michael Penix was a genuine playmaker behind center for Indiana, but he got injured against Maryland, forcing the team to go with Jack Tuttle, who has produced so-so results. Tuttle has completed 67% of his passes, but Indiana has not produce a lot of points with him. Considering that this team ranks 118th in the country in rushing, this can put quite a burden on Tuttle.

There is no such problem at Mississippi, where they rank third in the nation in Total Offense, as Matt Corral came in and won the quarterback job as a sophomore. He completed 71% of his passes with 27 touchdowns, and sometimes he created some opportunities for the opposition, throwing 14 interceptions. But Corral also adds something on the ground (469 yards rushing), and that is part of a pretty powerful running game, which has depth and averages 218 yards per contest. Jerison Ealy is questionable for this game, but with Snoop Connor and Henry Parrish also in the backfield, these guys are pretty well equipped.

Where Ole Miss could run into some trouble, believe it or not, is with the air game. They have two significant opt-outs; Elijah Moore, a wide receiver who caught 86 passes, has left, along with tight end Kenny Yeboah. Those players accounted for 55% of Corral's completions.

And there is contrast between the respective levels both of these defenses have played at. Mississippi is dead last in the nation in this category, allowing 535.7 yards per game, and 5.4 yards per rush attempt. They had problems stopping all quality attacks, and even some that were middle of the road.

They were 110th in turnover margin, while Indiana was third best in the nation. And if Corral's a little errant, this Hoosier secondary (second in the nation in interceptions) is fully capable of taking advantage.

Plus, there's an incredible disparity in the red zone defense. Indiana led the nation by a wide margin, allowing points on only 52.6% of its opponents trips into the red zone, while Mississippi allowed scoring 86.8% of the time.

These are the kinds of things that make a difference in a game like this, and those receivers for Kiffin's squad are going to be hard to replace. Yes, Ole Miss can handle itself in a shootout, but they suffer when the other team shoots back. Overall, there's a much more balanced Indiana club, prompting us to lay the points.

Remember that at BetAnySports they have a wide selection of prop bets on all of these bowl games. Plus, if you want to keep wagering after the kickoff, you can use Sports Betting Prime in order to make it happen!