The Michigan Wolverines and Florida Gators both look to end 2018 on a high note as they face off in the 2018 Peach Bowl on Saturday afternoon.
Though college football fans normally have to wait until the New Year’s Six bowl games to see the top programs face off, they get a treat ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinals on Saturday. In the Peach Bowl from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Michigan Wolverines will take on the Florida Gators in a huge top-10 matchup.
Michigan undoubtedly has one of the most talent-laden rosters in the country, but they’ll be without several key pieces who are sitting out for this one. Most notably, linebacker Devin Bush, defensive end Rashan Gary and running back Karan Higdon will be out for the Peach Bowl, which certainly lessens the talent.
Even still, the Wolverines boast a fearsome group on both sides of the ball. The key for Jim Harbaugh’s team, though, will likely be the performance of quarterback Shea Patterson. Since transferring from Ole Miss, Patterson has given life to the Michigan offense, but still needs to show more consistency, especially against a ferocious defense like the one he’ll face against Florida.
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While Florida has dealt with offensive inconsistency of their own this season thanks to quarterback Feliepe Franks, the Gators have one of the best defenses in the country. Edge rushers Jachai Polite and Cece Jefferson are NFL-caliber talents and they’ll certainly look to put the clamps on the Wolverines offense in a big test.
TV and Live Stream Info
Date: Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018
Start Time: Noon ET
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Though there are plenty of big-name prospects sitting this one out for Michigan, they still have plenty of talent throughout the roster that will be on the field. Given their inconsistency and more of the same from Florida this season, though, the Peach Bowl could truly go either way.