Gator Bowl: Ohio State vs. Florida (-2) at 1 p.m.- O/U- 44

[The Peoples Champ]

I don't think I could love OSU any more in this contest, but at the same time it's concerning because OSU is a public dog, which is a spot I hate betting in.

I think OSU can control both sides of the trenches, and push it's way around to a victory, even in Florida's back yard.

Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 27, Florida 10

[Beyond the Bets]

A few notes on Big Ten vs. SEC bowl games.

Click here.

[The Peoples Champ]

Great read BTB, thanks!

Doesn't stop me from thinking OSU runs rampant, and I wonder how healthy Brantley is.

[RyanParrill]

CM anywhere? I'd hate to do the un-American thing and bet on Ohio, especially without his opinion floating around.

[ChiefZilla]

Ha, just read in the Bookie Report on the front page that Florida hasn't covered a spread since September. Lost eight in a row ATS.

Interested to hear cmpicks' take, if he has one. I actually lean OSU here but haven't made a play yet.

[louiemdj]

I'm not so sure about a side here, but I do like the under a little. Should be a defensive grind it out game with 2 offenses that haven't done much throughout the year.

[Skating Tripods]

I asked Todd Fuhrman about this game. I said "Isn't the true line more like OSU -1 since Florida's essentially playing a home game?" And he said "No, no HFA factored into the line." Added that OSU fans travel well.

Then I asked him about Ohio State's motivation with next year's bowl ban. Dismissed that idea and then said Florida will be the healthiest they've been all year.

The wild card in this game is Luke Fickell. Which coach shows up? The eunuch from the Purdue game or the guy who went balls out against Michigan? If Ohio State plays conservative, they get rolled. If they let Braxton throw the ball around the yard, they have a chance. I hate the OSU WRs against the Florida DBs, though.

It's a stay away game for me. I can't back either team because there are so many inconsistent players on offense. I don't like the total either because there could be some big plays sandwiched by puntfests.

But, go Buckeyes.

[The Peoples Champ]

Damn, that first Gator TD that was close and not reviewed is going to bite us, but OSU has plenty of chances and couldn't get the job done. Crap.

[mount187]

I totally misread this game. I had OSU's motivation playing a much bigger role than it did. I then end, the Buckeye's coaching staff was just terrible. Down two TD's and punting under five minutes? Really?

[The Peoples Champ]

(01-03-2012 09:36 AM)mount187 Wrote:  I totally misread this game. I had OSU's motivation playing a much bigger role than it did. I then end, the Buckeye's coaching staff was just terrible. Down two TD's and punting under five minutes? Really?

Yep, same here, Mount. I have a good friend that is a huge Buckeye's backer who had informed me that they were ready to go and yada, yada, yada, not the case, and I agree, the staff did seem lame.

[Skating Tripods]

(01-03-2012 09:36 AM)mount187 Wrote:  I totally misread this game. I had OSU's motivation playing a much bigger role than it did. I then end, the Buckeye's coaching staff was just terrible. Down two TD's and punting under five minutes? Really?

The Buckeyes were motivated. They lost because of the bad special teams that have plagued them all year. Blocked punt and KR TD. Neither team's offense did much.

Ohio State's playcalling was pathetic, no doubt.