MI cruises past Florida in Citrus Bowl

This difference most likely comes from personnel adjustments for Florida, which we’ll discuss below. Let’s break down the matchups and situations that might tip a close game for one team or the other. The future first-round NFL Draft pick, in my opinion, will have to have a big game in order for the Gators to have a shot. UM ran the ball on 56.7 percent of plays, giving the offense a physical, “man ball” identity.

Butch Jones, nevertheless, is proud of the progress the Vols have made in his three seasons as coach and confident the program is on solid footing as it moves into 2016. Zack Oliver and Clayton Thornson combined to complete 14-of-33 throws for 129 yards with no scores and four interceptions.

In the future, McElwain knows Gator Nation will demand more than just participating in the SEC Championship Game and spending the holidays in Orlando. The Gators have allowed.

Florida’s best defensive player is cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. Plus, Florida sat comfortably atop the division standings for most of the year as Tennessee climbed out of the hole it dug itself into early to finish second and Georgia stumbled through its schedule, which led to Mark Richt’s firing in November. It is vital that MI contains the ground game to have any kind of success. A season-opening road loss to Utah was expected as Harbaugh inherited a roster with limited firepower, but a stunning 27-23 loss to Michigan State came on a botched punt late. But it was Michigan’s defense, under the direction of Mattison, that dominated.

But the second half was all MI.

Can the defense bounce back against Florida?

And they did it by pounding the ball right into UF’s heart. He went to his left and tossed it to wide receiver Antonio Callaway on a reverse. In the final two games of the season against Florida State and Alabama the Gators scored just a single offensive touchdown.

Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida – With the way Florida’s offense has underwhelmed, Kelvin Taylor really hasn’t gotten the recognition he has deserved.

Florida’s Offense Continues to Ride the Struggle Bus: Ever since Will Grier tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, Florida’s offense hasn’t been the same. With a makeshift offensive line blocking for a quarterback who has failed to produce for most of the year, Florida must convert on the few chances they will get in the Citrus Bowl. Where this could really hurt MI is the inability to use Peppers on offense and in the return game.

Baylor and Art Briles showed – just days ago – what a team completely buying into a significantly altered game plan can do to win a bowl game, whereas the Gators just threw in three trick plays – one worked spectacularly, two failed miserably – and otherwise played the same game they have for weeks. The markets predicts a total of 38.5 points in the game. So, the kicking game remained a mess to the bitter end this season.

My best predictions, which combine predictions from both points and yards-based metrics, predict a 1.2 point victory for Florida. He plays safety on defense, and his raw athleticism allows him to make big plays (5.5 tackles for loss).