Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida Gators
The Michigan Wolverines will finally take the field on Friday for their bowl game, which means that the enigmatic and forever entertaining head coach Jim Harbaugh will make his return to bowl season on New Year’s Day. The Wolverines will take on the Florida Gators in the 2016 Citrus Bowl in what should be a fantastic matchup.
Harbaugh’s team is undoubtedly characterized by their defense, led by star defensive back (and kick returner) Jabrill Peppers. Jake Rudock, De’Veon Smith, and Jake Butt on the offense will need to step up in the Citrus Bowl if they’re going to have success, though. Meanwhile, Florida’s defense led by Vernon Hargreaves III is their bread and butter. Similar to Michigan, though, the Gators’ success in the Citrus Bowl will hinge on the play of Treon Harris and Kelvin Taylor in the offense and whether or not they can get anything going in this game.
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Details for Friday’s game are below:
Date: Friday, Jan. 1
Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: ABC
Stadium: Florida Citrus Bowl
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here
Keys to Victory
The key for the Florida Gators in the Citrus Bowl is going to be whether or not their offense is able to do just about anything of consequence in this game. This Gators offense since Treon Harris took over for the suspended and now transferring Will Grier has been anemic at best. Over their last three games of the season (the first against the FAU Owls, the other two against top-15 opponents), the Gators managed only a combined 31 points, including only 14 against FAU and only two against the Florida State Seminoles. If they play that poorly against Michigan’s defense in the Citrus Bowl, this will be over quickly.
For Harbaugh’s Wolverines, the key is going to be limiting their mistakes on offense with Jake Rudock and the ball carriers. With how atrocious the Florida offense has been as of late, Michigan has a distinct advantage coming into this game. That being said, if the Wolverines start making mistakes and turning the ball over, they’re giving the Gators more opportunities to finally strike. That’s not the best recipe for success by any means.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Michigan -4
Moneyline: Michigan -180, Florida +160
O/U: 39
Prediction
Quite frankly, I just don’t see any way that the Gators can move the ball against the talent and Harbaugh-ness of the Michigan defense. This one could be a slugfest, but the Wolverines have the advantage and should ultimately come out victorious.
Final Score: Michigan Wolverines: 24, Florida Gators 12
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