Jim, Harbaugh failed to lead the Michigan Wolverines football program to the College Football Playoff again, but this season is still a memorable one, considering the dominant and scary stretch they had before a bad ending regular-season ending in Columbus. Meanwhile, the Florida Gators just want to end the 2018 campaign on a positive note, and a win against a big-time program like Michigan is going to be something that will be celebrated back in Gainesville.
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Betting Preview for the Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines College Football Game on December 29 2018
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
When: Saturday, December 29, 2018, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Florida Gators (+7) vs Michigan Wolverines (-7) – view all 2018 NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Florida Gators (9-3 Overall / 5-3 Conference)
The Gators’ identity this season lies in their stout defense. They are 32nd in the nation this year with 22.9 points allowed per contest. In addition to that, Florida is also 39th overall with 362.5 total yards surrendered per game. Their ability to limit opposing offenses was perhaps best exemplified during their 27-19 win at home over then No. 5 LSU Tigers back in early October. Gators pass rusher Jachai Polite is arguably the heart and soul of Florida’s stop unit. The junior has been recently named into the second-team All American by the Associated Press after collecting 11 sacks. He needs just two more quarterback takedowns to tie Florida’s single-season sack record. Polite may have a good shot of matching that or even setting a new school record against Michigan’s offensive line that allows a 5.47 sack percentage.
The Gators are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games.
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (10-2 Overall / 8-1 Conference)
If it weren’t for a devastating 62-39 road loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in Big Ten play, the Wolverines would have been scheduled for a College Football Playoff game. That’s not the case, obviously, but whatever happened in that forgettable loss to the Buckeyes is not making Florida underestimate the Wolverines’ defense that, for almost the entire season, put opposing teams on a tight chokehold. See, Michigan finished 10th in the nation with just 17.6 points allowed per game. Their 262.5 total yards surrendered per contest is the best this year in college football. Florida has a great ground attack with three feature running backs ready to test Michigan’s defense, but the Wolverines do seem to be be ready for anything the Gators’ run game will throw at them. Michigan opponents are racking up only 3.4 yards per carry and 116.6 rushing yards per outing. Plus, it’s not like Florida has someone like Dwayne Haskins running the show. Instead, it’ll be the eternally shaky Feleipe Franks (58.5 completion percentage, 23 touchdowns, six interceptions, 12 sacks) under center for the Gators.
The Wolverines are 9-1 straight up (SU) and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games.
Writer’s Prediction
Michigan wins, 24-21
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