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Michigan - Florida previews and predictions
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:17 pm
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:17 pm
Will post a few from the major websites. Just for kicks. You freakers may not care. But it's a huge game for us so I'm excited to finally not be playing a weak duckling in week one. I'll post them individually.
Start off with CBS.
LINK /
Storylines
Florida: Despite winning back-to-back SEC East titles, McElwain's first two Florida teams have been very "Muschamp-ian" -- all defense and very little offense. With redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks handpicked by the staff during the recruiting process, last season's original starter Luke Del Rio back and Notre Dame graduate transfer Malik Zaire on campus, you'd think that this is the year the offense finally looks somewhat functional. The suspensions to wide receiver Antonio Callaway and running back Jordan Scarlett are concerning, and those losses will put pressure on Lamical Perine and Mark Thompson to carry the load. Can this offense click with so much uncertainty?
Who are the pros picking? Visit SportsLine to see which college football teams Vegas pros are hammering on opening weekend, plus see which side of Florida-Michigan is getting all the action.
Michigan: Wilton Speight is back at quarterback after a full year on the job, and Chris Evans looked like a star last year when he averaged 6.98 yards per carry. But who will step up at wide receiver? Defensively, Harbaugh's prized recruit from the class of 2016, defensive lineman Rashaan Gary, should be the centerpiece of a defense that will have plenty of new faces in the starting lineup. In a perfect world for Michigan, this game would stay close, low-scoring and in Harbaugh's comfort zone.
Prediction
The absent Callaway might seem crippling on the surface, but there's plenty of talent on that roster including Tyrie Cleveland, Brandon Powell, Josh Hammond and Freddie Swain. Franks will get the majority of the snaps, Perine and Thompson will pick up the slack, and the Gators will look potent on offense for the first time in nearly a decade. Speight and Co. won't be able to do much offensively, and the Gators will spring the upset. Pick: Florida (+5)
Start off with CBS.
LINK /
Storylines
Florida: Despite winning back-to-back SEC East titles, McElwain's first two Florida teams have been very "Muschamp-ian" -- all defense and very little offense. With redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks handpicked by the staff during the recruiting process, last season's original starter Luke Del Rio back and Notre Dame graduate transfer Malik Zaire on campus, you'd think that this is the year the offense finally looks somewhat functional. The suspensions to wide receiver Antonio Callaway and running back Jordan Scarlett are concerning, and those losses will put pressure on Lamical Perine and Mark Thompson to carry the load. Can this offense click with so much uncertainty?
Who are the pros picking? Visit SportsLine to see which college football teams Vegas pros are hammering on opening weekend, plus see which side of Florida-Michigan is getting all the action.
Michigan: Wilton Speight is back at quarterback after a full year on the job, and Chris Evans looked like a star last year when he averaged 6.98 yards per carry. But who will step up at wide receiver? Defensively, Harbaugh's prized recruit from the class of 2016, defensive lineman Rashaan Gary, should be the centerpiece of a defense that will have plenty of new faces in the starting lineup. In a perfect world for Michigan, this game would stay close, low-scoring and in Harbaugh's comfort zone.
Prediction
The absent Callaway might seem crippling on the surface, but there's plenty of talent on that roster including Tyrie Cleveland, Brandon Powell, Josh Hammond and Freddie Swain. Franks will get the majority of the snaps, Perine and Thompson will pick up the slack, and the Gators will look potent on offense for the first time in nearly a decade. Speight and Co. won't be able to do much offensively, and the Gators will spring the upset. Pick: Florida (+5)
12
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:18 pm to Gatorbait2008
LINK
Phil Steele. I don't know how to make the video show up as anything but a link. My comp skills are weak sauce.
Phil Steele. I don't know how to make the video show up as anything but a link. My comp skills are weak sauce.
This post was edited on 8/31/17 at 11:19 pm
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:21 pm to Gatorbait2008
Isports. Their game preview was long as crap so I'll add the link. Here's their prediction.
I was already leaning towards a Michigan victory here and that was before Florida suspended eight players for this game. Look for the Wolverines to establish their running game and short passing attack early. Chris Evans could be in line for a big day as he runs behind Michigan’s revamped offensive line. Rashan Gary, Maurice Hurst and the Wolverines defensive line will cause major problems for the Gators and will make life extremely uncomfortable for whoever Florida trots out at quarterback. Michigan wins 31-13
I was already leaning towards a Michigan victory here and that was before Florida suspended eight players for this game. Look for the Wolverines to establish their running game and short passing attack early. Chris Evans could be in line for a big day as he runs behind Michigan’s revamped offensive line. Rashan Gary, Maurice Hurst and the Wolverines defensive line will cause major problems for the Gators and will make life extremely uncomfortable for whoever Florida trots out at quarterback. Michigan wins 31-13
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:24 pm to Gatorbait2008
Bleacher
Florida owns a 27-game winning streak in season openers, last losing way back in 1989. But the Gators are also only 13-13 against the spread during that run, as the point spread has taken its toll.
The Gators will have their hands full trying to run that streak to 28 straight when they battle Michigan in the 2017 opener for both teams Saturday afternoon on neutral turf at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
College football point spread: The Wolverines opened as three-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
College football betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 34.8-15.5 Wolverines (College football picks on every game)
Why the Michigan Wolverines can cover the spread
Michigan, placed 12th on the college football preseason power rankings at PredictionMachine.com, only returns five starters this year from a 10-3 team of a season ago, but talent-wise this team is still stocked.
Among the four starters back on offense are junior quarterback Wilton Speight (62 percent completions, 18/7 touchdowns/interceptions last year) and a couple of All-Big Ten candidates on the line.
And while only one starter is back from a defense that allowed just 262 yards and 14 points per game last season, the new talent all comes highly regarded.
The Wolverines gave a pretty good showing the last time they played Florida, just two years ago in the Citrus Bowl, gouging the Gators 41-7. Michigan outgained Florida that day 503-273 and covered easily as a three-point favorite.
Why the Florida Gators can cover the spread
Florida returns 13 starters this season from a team that finished 9-4 last year.
The Gators started 8-2 last season, won the SEC East, lost the SEC Championship Game to Alabama, but then beat up another Big Ten outfit, Iowa, 30-3 in the Outback Bowl.
Eight starters are back on offense, including last year's leading rusher, top three receivers and three along the line. And five starters are back from a defense that held foes to 293 yards and 17 points per game last season.
Smart pick
Michigan has the talent to fill all those holes, but that's still a lot of experience to replace.
Meanwhile Florida, after averaging less than 24 points per game over the last two seasons, figures to field its best offense in several years.
Finally, for a game that could go either way, it's nice to have a field goal in your pocket, rather than giving one away. The smart money here at online betting sites takes the Gators and the points.
College football betting trends
Florida is 12-0 SU in its last 12 games in Week 1.
The total has gone under in six of the Gators' last seven games.
Michigan is 6-2 SU and ATS in its last eight games in Week 1.
LINK
Florida owns a 27-game winning streak in season openers, last losing way back in 1989. But the Gators are also only 13-13 against the spread during that run, as the point spread has taken its toll.
The Gators will have their hands full trying to run that streak to 28 straight when they battle Michigan in the 2017 opener for both teams Saturday afternoon on neutral turf at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
College football point spread: The Wolverines opened as three-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
College football betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 34.8-15.5 Wolverines (College football picks on every game)
Why the Michigan Wolverines can cover the spread
Michigan, placed 12th on the college football preseason power rankings at PredictionMachine.com, only returns five starters this year from a 10-3 team of a season ago, but talent-wise this team is still stocked.
Among the four starters back on offense are junior quarterback Wilton Speight (62 percent completions, 18/7 touchdowns/interceptions last year) and a couple of All-Big Ten candidates on the line.
And while only one starter is back from a defense that allowed just 262 yards and 14 points per game last season, the new talent all comes highly regarded.
The Wolverines gave a pretty good showing the last time they played Florida, just two years ago in the Citrus Bowl, gouging the Gators 41-7. Michigan outgained Florida that day 503-273 and covered easily as a three-point favorite.
Why the Florida Gators can cover the spread
Florida returns 13 starters this season from a team that finished 9-4 last year.
The Gators started 8-2 last season, won the SEC East, lost the SEC Championship Game to Alabama, but then beat up another Big Ten outfit, Iowa, 30-3 in the Outback Bowl.
Eight starters are back on offense, including last year's leading rusher, top three receivers and three along the line. And five starters are back from a defense that held foes to 293 yards and 17 points per game last season.
Smart pick
Michigan has the talent to fill all those holes, but that's still a lot of experience to replace.
Meanwhile Florida, after averaging less than 24 points per game over the last two seasons, figures to field its best offense in several years.
Finally, for a game that could go either way, it's nice to have a field goal in your pocket, rather than giving one away. The smart money here at online betting sites takes the Gators and the points.
College football betting trends
Florida is 12-0 SU in its last 12 games in Week 1.
The total has gone under in six of the Gators' last seven games.
Michigan is 6-2 SU and ATS in its last eight games in Week 1.
LINK
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:26 pm to Gatorbait2008
topbets
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (-5.5)
Michigan has taken a massive hit this offseason in terms of losses on both sides of the ball. On offense, their top skill position players, particularly at receiver, are all gone. Meanwhile, they also need to replace three starters along the offensive line. Things are worse on defense, where they lost 10 starters, including studs Jabrill Peppers, Taco Charlton, and Jourdan Lewis.
On the bright side, though, head coach Jim Harbaugh still has two experienced senior quarterbacks to turn to in Wilton Speight and John O’Korn. Speight, who is the favorite to start against Florida, threw for more than 2,500 yards with 18 touchdowns and a 61.9 percent completion rate as the starter last season.
The other bit of good news for the Wolverines is that they will be up against a Florida team that will have to deal with 10 suspensions, which include top receiver Antonio Callaway and top running back Jordan Scarlett. The Gators will also be starting a redshirt freshman at quarterback.
That lack of reliable production from Florida offense should be good news for the Wolverines defense, which is a bit inexperienced but does still boast a lot of talent.
Betting on the Florida Gators (+5.5)
Florida head coach Jim McElwain has a huge headache ahead of Week 1 with the mounting suspensions he has to deal with. The number is now up to 10 following the indefinite suspensions of Scarlett and receiver Rick Wells.
The Gators were awful on offense last season, as they averaged just 24 points per game (107th in the nation). All those suspensions on the offensive side of the ball will not do their newly-named starting quarterback, Feleipe Franks, any favors whatsoever. Franks, a redshirt freshman, won the job over last year’s starter, Luke Del Rio, and Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire.
As was the case for most of last season, the Florida defense will have to come up huge to keep the Gators within striking distance. That terrific unit finished 6th in the country in scoring defense (16.8 points per game) and 5th in total defense (293 yards per game) last season.
That outstanding defense took a massive hit in the secondary with the departures of their two top corners, Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson. But with all the uncertainty in the Michigan passing game, Florida’s top weakness might not be exposed quite as much.
Writer’s Prediction
Michigan (-5.5) makes the most of its opportunities against shorthanded Florida as the Wolverines win, 21-14. Also, look for the total to go a good way UNDER 45.0 in what should be a defense-heavy game.
Create a betting account now and start cashing in on the brand new NCAA college football season!
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (-5.5)
Michigan has taken a massive hit this offseason in terms of losses on both sides of the ball. On offense, their top skill position players, particularly at receiver, are all gone. Meanwhile, they also need to replace three starters along the offensive line. Things are worse on defense, where they lost 10 starters, including studs Jabrill Peppers, Taco Charlton, and Jourdan Lewis.
On the bright side, though, head coach Jim Harbaugh still has two experienced senior quarterbacks to turn to in Wilton Speight and John O’Korn. Speight, who is the favorite to start against Florida, threw for more than 2,500 yards with 18 touchdowns and a 61.9 percent completion rate as the starter last season.
The other bit of good news for the Wolverines is that they will be up against a Florida team that will have to deal with 10 suspensions, which include top receiver Antonio Callaway and top running back Jordan Scarlett. The Gators will also be starting a redshirt freshman at quarterback.
That lack of reliable production from Florida offense should be good news for the Wolverines defense, which is a bit inexperienced but does still boast a lot of talent.
Betting on the Florida Gators (+5.5)
Florida head coach Jim McElwain has a huge headache ahead of Week 1 with the mounting suspensions he has to deal with. The number is now up to 10 following the indefinite suspensions of Scarlett and receiver Rick Wells.
The Gators were awful on offense last season, as they averaged just 24 points per game (107th in the nation). All those suspensions on the offensive side of the ball will not do their newly-named starting quarterback, Feleipe Franks, any favors whatsoever. Franks, a redshirt freshman, won the job over last year’s starter, Luke Del Rio, and Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire.
As was the case for most of last season, the Florida defense will have to come up huge to keep the Gators within striking distance. That terrific unit finished 6th in the country in scoring defense (16.8 points per game) and 5th in total defense (293 yards per game) last season.
That outstanding defense took a massive hit in the secondary with the departures of their two top corners, Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson. But with all the uncertainty in the Michigan passing game, Florida’s top weakness might not be exposed quite as much.
Writer’s Prediction
Michigan (-5.5) makes the most of its opportunities against shorthanded Florida as the Wolverines win, 21-14. Also, look for the total to go a good way UNDER 45.0 in what should be a defense-heavy game.
Create a betting account now and start cashing in on the brand new NCAA college football season!
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:28 pm to Gatorbait2008
Can't find as many as I figured there would be. Kind of odd to be honest. A lot of old previews or ones from fan sites which will hold obvious bias. So all I got for now.
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:28 pm to Gatorbait2008
Thank you, I needed that final push to go to bed and after reading Your op I can barely hold my eyes open.
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:30 pm to piggilicious
quote:
Thank you, I needed that final push to go to bed and after reading Your op I can barely hold my eyes open.
You can speak to me when your team wins a conference title again.
Posted on 8/31/17 at 11:48 pm to Gatorbait2008
Michigan in a blow out
Posted on 9/1/17 at 4:35 am to LSUNV
quote:
LSUNV
You only wish that and fear not kitty...the Gators will win....meatchicken only has ONE starter back on defense...sure...lotta good recruits but they aint ready yet against SEC speed.
We are only missing 2 starters and Rick Wells? A fourth string WR? Plenty of talent to overcome a few special teams players missing. Gators 27 UM 13
Posted on 9/1/17 at 5:27 am to reel_gator8
quote:Don't forget the sizable coaching advantage for UM. Should be a great game. UM wins, UF covers.
Plenty of talent to overcome a few special teams players missing
Posted on 9/1/17 at 8:40 am to Gatorbait2008
This is honestly the opening week's game I'm most interested in watching. I could see both Florida and Michigan being in contention for a playoff spot at the end of the season. Either team has plenty of time to bounce back from an opening game loss.
If Florida beats Michigan, gets one win out of LSU and Georgia, avoids a bad beat from a team they're favored against, somehow pulls out a win against FSU in their final regular season game, they're an SEC championship game away from the playoffs.
If Michigan loses to Florida but runs the table in the BIG 10 (which really isn't outside of the realm of possibility when you look at their schedule), they're in the playoffs.
If Florida beats Michigan, gets one win out of LSU and Georgia, avoids a bad beat from a team they're favored against, somehow pulls out a win against FSU in their final regular season game, they're an SEC championship game away from the playoffs.
If Michigan loses to Florida but runs the table in the BIG 10 (which really isn't outside of the realm of possibility when you look at their schedule), they're in the playoffs.
Posted on 9/1/17 at 9:39 am to Gatorbait2008
quote:
Florida owns a 27-game winning streak in season openers
That is pretty damn impressive.
Gators still get the L unfortunately.
Posted on 9/1/17 at 10:28 am to Gatorbait2008
Sticking to my earlier prediction of UF 24 - UM 14.
Posted on 9/1/17 at 10:36 am to Vanilla Coke
quote:
If Michigan loses to Florida but runs the table in the BIG 10 (which really isn't outside of the realm of possibility when you look at their schedule), they're in the playoffs.
Do you have a problem with their schedule.
Ranked toughest schedule by Bleacher Report
#3 By Athlon
#4 by Chat Sports
Home vs #2 Ohio State
@ #6 Penn State
@ #9 Wisconsin
Neutral #16 Florida
8 of their opponents were in bowls last year
Posted on 9/1/17 at 10:59 am to idlewatcher
quote:
Florida owns a 27-game winning streak in season openers
That was mostly about scheduling. Every year was a FCS, Mac or other non power 5 conference to start the season.
Also, Florida hasn't left the State for an OOC game since 1991 (lost to Syracuse).
This post was edited on 9/1/17 at 11:07 am
Posted on 9/1/17 at 11:16 am to Mich_JohnC
quote:Gator's last loss in an opener was in 1989 to Ole Miss, in the last season of the Pre-Spurrier Era.
That was mostly about scheduling. Every year was a FCS, Mac or other non power 5 conference to start the season.
Spurrier's first game the following year was a 50-7 blowout of a bad Okie State team that finished 4-7. Two years later the Gators beat Kentucky in the Swamp to open the 1992 campaign.
Michigan will be the first major conference team Florida has played to open the season since then.
In contrast, GA Southern will be the first non-P5 opponent AU will have faced in a season opener since 2011, and only the 10th such opening opponent in the last 26 seasons.
This post was edited on 9/1/17 at 11:21 am
Posted on 9/1/17 at 11:19 am to Mich_JohnC
quote:
Also, Florida hasn't left the State for an OOC game since 1991 (lost to Syracuse).
That's what happens when two of your major rivals don't play in the same conference.
This post was edited on 9/1/17 at 11:21 am
Posted on 9/1/17 at 11:23 am to bgator85
quote:FSU and who else?
That's what happens when two of your major rivals don't play in the same conference.
Posted on 9/1/17 at 11:26 am to FearlessFreep
quote:
FSU and who else?
Miami
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