Tennessee Volunteers (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) at No. 16 Florida Gators (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS), Saturday September 17th, 2001. 3:30PM EST, College Football Week 3
The Swamp at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, FL
By Jay Horne, College Football Handicapper of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Ten +9/Fla -9
Over/Under Total: OFF
Bet the Vols/Gators game using your credit card at a sportsbook where it WILL work and that offers a generous sign up bonus: SBG Global.
Over the years, the Tennessee and Florida rivalry has been one of the most entertaining rivalries in the SEC. Each year the Gators and Volunteers kick off conference play by squaring off against each other in hopes for great seasons. Several years ago, this meeting could nearly identify the future SEC Champions as it was normally a two horse race between both Florida and Tennessee each year. However over the last decade or so, the Volunteers fell out of the SEC elite and they have desperately been trying to fight their way back to the top of the SEC.
In fact, outsiders may find it hard to believe that it has been 7 long years since the Volunteers beat the Gators. However, slowly but surely Tennessee appears to be rebuilding back into a national power. Most “experts” believe the Volunteers are a year or two from really contending to make a run at the SEC Title. While that remains to be seen, one certainty is that this could possibly be Tennessee’s best chance to slay the mighty Gators in recent memory when the two teams square off inside “The Swamp” this Saturday.
The no. 16 Gators will enter the contest as heavy 9 point favorites over the Volunteers. Through the opening two games, the Gators have played very well outscoring inferior opponents in Florida Atlantic and UAB by a combined score of 80-3. The Gators scoring defense currently ranks 1st in the nation through the first two games and 6th overall allowing 174 yards per game. While those numbers appear great, many would argue that is because Florida has yet to play a quality opponent. Still, the defense has appeared extremely solid. Perhaps we will know just how good this Gators defense truly is this Saturday when they line up against an emerging Tennessee offense.
STOP PISSING AWAY MONEY! START LAYING -105 ODDS INSTEAD OF THE SPENDIER -110 OPTION! THIS MOVE WILL SAVE YOU HUGE MONEY! FIND THIS OFFER AND MORE AT THE WEB'S BEST SPORTSBOOK: 5DIMES!
The Volunteers are coming off a big 45-23 win over Cincinnati last week. The Volunteers entered that game as 7 point favorites, but completely blew away the Bearcats defense in route to 531 yards of total offense. The story of the game was QB Tyler Bray who shredded the Cincinnati defense by completing 34 of 41 passing for 405 yards with 4 touchdowns and 0 picks. It was the 2nd straight big performance from Bray which should be very encouraging for the Tennessee offense. Bray suffered through some growing pains in his freshman season a year ago, but seems to be much improved through the start of 2011.
Additionally, the Volunteers offense has received solid support from their running attack. Tailback Tauren Poole carried the offense last season because of the inconsistent passing game. This season Poole has not had as much responsibility on the ground thus far, but has still been effective averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Poole has posted 199 yards on the season and if the passing game continues to excel then he could become even more dangerous if defenses have to focus on stopping the pass.
For the Gators, their offense has also been impressive thus far this season as well. Florida has averaged just less than 500 yards per game through their opening two contests. The Gators rushing attack has been superb averaging 248 yards per game. Tailbacks Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps have contributed the most firepower for the offense. Rainey is an all-purpose threat that can be used in a variety of ways. Rainey leads the team in rushing with 198 yards on the ground while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Rainey also currently leads the team in receiving with 110 yards on 9 catches. Additionally, Demps is a proven big play threat out of the back field that has posted 115 yards on the season and it is only a matter of time before he makes another big play.
Florida QB John Brantley has performed decent so far this season despite the Gators needing little help from their passing attack. Brantley has completed 67% passing for 424 yards with 1 score and 2 picks. This week it will be interesting to see if Brantley is needed to play a bigger role in the offense. Surely, Tennessee will put attention to the Florida rushing attack. If the Volunteers can successfully slow down the Gators rushing attack, it will be interesting to see how Brantley performs against better competition.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: This will be Tennessee’s best chance to beat Florida in some time and they are getting a lot of points to work with here. I think the Volunteers offense is under rated and they will have a chance to win this game. Take Tennessee +9.
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
