Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines Point Spread Picks

Coach Jim McElwain has been at Florida for two years and has won the SEC East in both of them. The Gators suffered so many injuries last year, it is amazing they were able to log nine wins. The defense is always a staple here, last year they held LSU, Georgia, and Iowa to a combined 23 points. The question has recently been the offense, and with a new QB and new OC, whatever offense this team is capable of may take some time to translate to the field. Jim Harbraugh has turned Michigan around. Despite six total starters returning, the depth, talent, and skill level is there. The Michigan offense should be in good hands with Speights at QB, but he has all new targets, and whatever this offense will be may take a few games to show itself. Michigan loses a lot on defense, but they rotated a lot of players last season, so while the starts aren't there, the talent and experience level is better than it looks. Overall, the defenses in this game are likely ahead of the offenses in the opener, so go with the UNDER in this one.

CITRUS BOWL: This will probably be a sleepy game for a lot of those that like offense, as the total is the lowest of all Bowls currently residing at 38.5. Neither of these teams have proven capable of moving the chains consistently. Throw in the fact that Florida is down to a backup QB, and Michigan with a healing QB in Jake Ruddock, and no reliable back up, the defenses are going to have to pave the way. Michigan started the season looking to be the most powerful defensive team we have seen in a long time. They out-scored their first six opponents 177-38, with three consecutive shutouts, and allowed 6.3 points per game. However, the last six games they have out-scored their opponents just 190-168, allowing 28 ppg. That is a huge change, while the Gators have gotten consistency all season, and that should be the difference in this one. Florida is 7-2 SU/ATS in their last nine Bowl games, while Michigan is just 2-7 straight-up. The Gators also have a huge advantage in this game as it is being played in Orlando, just 112 miles off campus, so the crowd will definitely be with them in huge numbers. Take Florida on the moneyline.

Florida has put up 45+ points in eight different games this season and has the Heisman Trophy winner calling signals. It's hard to believe a team like this is not in the National Championship game. The problem is they lost their three biggest games of the year to Auburn, LSU and Georgia. In those three games the Gators averaged just 23.7 ppg. This is the last hurrah for Henne and Hart, and the motivation is quite clear. They did not beat Ohio State in their four years, nor have they won a bowl game, and this game is their last chance to win a big one. This will be a much different Michigan team Florida will see, now that they have had 10 weeks to get healthy. This team was ranked No. 2 in the preseason for one reason - they have a ton of raw talent. Florida must get past the Heisman jinx as well, as the team with the Heisman Trophy winner has been horrible ATS in bowl games. This is too many points to a team that is just as talented as Florida. With the Gators struggling offensively vs. top-level talent, we look for Florida to stay close and for the game to come in UNDER the total.