Bowl-O-Rama: The Capital One Bowl

Many of these Gator players have experienced something that the Wolverine players have not. A win over Ohio State.

Teams: Michigan & Florida
Location: Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Miles Traveled By Each Team: Michigan(1,149), Florida(115)
Related Cereal: Mr. T(It’s Heisman winner Tim Tebow, sucka!).

Breakdown: Michigan heads into this game with the #44 ranked rushing offense(166yds/gm, 18TD's), and the #73 ranked passing offense(207yds/gm, 22TD's). Overall, their offense is ranked #74 in the nation. On defense, the Wolverines’ defense is ranked #56 against the run(150yds/gm, 15TD's), and #7 against the pass(179yds/gm, 11TD's). Their total defense is ranked #24, and surrenders an average of 330yds/gm and has allowed 27 total touchdowns.

Their opponent, Florida, comes into the game with the #26 ranked rush attack(197yds/gm, 37TD's), and the #33 ranked passing offense(264yds/gm, 29TD's). Their total offense is ranked #13. The Gators’ defense is ranked #10 against the rush(99yds/gm, 16TD's), and #86 against the pass(249yds/gm, 16TD's). Their total defense is ranked #32, and allows an average of 348yds/gm and has given up 34 total touchdowns.

Signature Wins: Michigan-Illinois. Florida-Tennessee.

Common Opponents: None.

Prediction: Michigan’s defense finished the season better than they started, but they’re facing a Florida team that features an offense similar to the Appalachian State and Oregon ones that handily beat them. If they want to win this game they’ll have to keep up through the air where Florida has been vulnerable all season. Chad Henne will keep the Wolverines in this one for a little while, but Florida’s collection of playmakers(Tebow, Harvin, Caldwell, etc.) will prove to be too much. The Gators win this one, 42-24.