There’s more bowl games headed your way on New Year’s Day, as the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines and the No. 19 Florida Gators square off in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Both are mainly known for their defensive tenacity and it’ll be interesting to see which team will deliver enough offense to grind out the victory. Can Jake Rudock lead the Wolverines victory? Or will it be the Gators’ Treon Harris shine brighter?
Read on below for an in-depth preview of this promising encounter. And if you want occupy yourself with some more bowl action, checkout our detailed breakdown of Northwestern vs. Tennessee in the Outback Bowl.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Preview
Where: Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
When: Friday, January 1, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan Wolverines (-4.5) at Florida Gators (+4.5); total: 39.0 – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten)
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The Michigan Wolverines should be pretty satisfied about the results of their first campaign under head coach Jim Harbaugh. In 2014, they finished with a lousy 5-7 overall record and this time, they wre still alive for the Big Ten East Division crown heading towards the final week of the season.
Their defense has been the main catalyst of their turnaround. The 14th-ranked Wolverines are averaging just 17.2 opponent points and are allowing 281.3 total yards, which are sixth- and third-best across the nation. There was also a certain stretch this season wherein they held their opponents scoreless for three-consecutive games. Defense alone, however, won’t be enough to assure them the win for this year’s Citrus Bowl game versus the Florida Gators.
That being said, the onus is on Jake Rudock, who has passed for 2,739 yards and 17 touchdowns, to be at his best form from start to finish. He should be able to get things going particularly through the air with his trio of pass-catchers in Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson and Jake Butt. The three have 1,969 receiving yards with 16 scores combined.
Furthermore, Rudock could also rely on their leading-rusher in De’Veon Smith on the ground. Smith has a team-high of 644 yards along with six touchdowns in total and has also broken through the 100-yard barrier twice in his junior campaign.
It’s worth noting, though, that the Wolverines will have to be even more creative and patient in trying to break through a Florida defense that’s only giving up 16.5 points per game and 295.4 total yards.
Michigan is 9-1 SU and 6-4 ATS in its previous 10 games as the favorites.
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Betting on the Florida Gators (10-3, 7-1 SEC)
Just like Michigan, the Florida Gators’ success has been all thanks to their stifling defensive prowess. The Gators held all but three of their opponents to less than 20 points this season, helping them finish the year with a 10-3 overall record and 7-1 in conference play. But unfortunately, they couldn’t put the cherry on top to their remarkable run as they fell to College Football Playoff participant Alabama in the SEC championship game, 29-15.
Despite the loss, the No. 19 Gators can still end on a strong note when they lock horns with the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines for the much-anticipated Citrus Bowl game. For Florida to come out on top in this matchup, QB Treon Harris needs to move the ball through the air efficiently and hopefully put up some points on the scoreboard.
Harris, who has failed to throw for 200 yards in the last three games, should be able to find some success with Antonio Calloway and Demarcus Robinson downfield. The two wide receivers have been the team’s most reliable catchers with 603 and 505 receiving yards respectively this season.
If the struggle continues for Harris though, the pressure will be on RB Kelvin Taylor to make his presence felt on the ground. Taylor boasts team-highs of 985 rushing yards and 13 scores on the year. He’ll be trying to break down a Michigan rush defense that’s surrendering just 122.8 yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Gators are going to be short-handed in this one as defensive end Alex McCalister remains sidelined with a foot injury while slot receiver Brandon Powell is doubtful with a foot problem as well.
Florida is 4-1 ATS in its last five versus Big Ten teams.
Writer’s Prediction
Michigan (-4.5) wins, 24-13. Create a betting account now and cash in on all the best college football action during bowl season.
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