#4 LSU Tigers +4.5, 4-0 (2-0 SEC) 1-2 ATS at #11 Florida Gators -4.5, 4-1 (2-1 SEC) 3-2 ATS Saturday October 11 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548) Gainesville, Florida 8:00 p.m. ET, TV- CBS National Broadcast
By Wilson of Predictem.com
LSU and Florida square off this weekend for the 55th time in their history. Florida leads the series 28-23-3, but the Tigers are hoping to gain some ground in Gainesville as they look to stay undefeated and keep their National Championship title hopes alive.
The Gators, who were dealt a blow by losing to Ole Miss. Rebounded last week by pounding Arkansas, which by the way, isn’t exactly a tough chore these days. Florida’s Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow, will try and ruin LSU’s unblemished record by leading the Gators offensive attack which can be lethal if the passing game gets going, as the Gator running backs both rushed for over 100 yards last week.
Tebow’s streak of 203 passes without an interception was snapped last week by Ole Miss DB Jerry Franklin, but Tebow still had solid numbers by going 17-of-26 for 217 yards and a touchdown. The running game for Florida produced over 200 yards with Chris Rainy and Jeffrey Demps each gaining 103 yards with three TD’s between them.
LSU QB Jarret Lee was 18-of-27 for 261 yards and two TD’s in their win over Miss. State while running back Charles Scott rushed for his fourth straight 100 yard game with 141 yards. The Tigers are averaging 35.5 points per game and only giving up 15 to their opponents. Similarly, Florida is averaging 36 ppg while allowing just 11.4.
LSU head coach Les Miles took advantage of the bye week and ran his team through a 70-play scrimmage that included officials. His staff focused on red zone and tight zone offense as well as the 2-minute drill. They also spent significant time working with the special teams unit all in effort to prepare for Florida.
The Gators are 2-3 O/U, 1-2 ATS at home this season and 3-2 ATS overall. The Tigers are 1-2 ATS overall and 2-1 on the O/U. With Florida currently favored by 4.5 I can see this spread closing even tighter as the week nears an end. These teams are just too close on both sides of the ball and I wouldn’t be surprised if this game became a pick. No matter how the line closes you can always check it and bet it at Betus!
This SEC showdown will mark the first time in nearly twenty years that the last two National Championship teams have gone head to head. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1988 Champs) beat The Miami Hurricanes (1989 Champs) 29-20 in 1990.
I like Florida’s chances this weekend as they seem to have recovered from the Ole Miss loss. The Gators have the ability to run and gun behind their Heisman Trophy winner Tebow. If they can get going early and set the tone at home they might just pull off the non-underdog but in my mind, underdog upset. Say that ten times!
LSU will be more than ready as they have had a bye week to make Voodoo Dolls and whatever else they need to install against their SEC rival but the true test may come down to turnovers. Florida is second in the nation only to Oklahoma and Central Michigan in least amount of turnovers as Florida only has four (4) turnovers all year.
Wilson’s Pick: I like Florida to win and cover. Luck to ya.
