College Football Odds: SEC Week 11 picks against the spread
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) runs with the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday November 14, 2015
- Time: 12PM Eastern
- Location: Columbia, SC
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Spread: Florida -7.5
- Over/Under Total: 46
The Florida Gators wrapped up the SEC East last week, but it wasn’t pretty. Trailing Vanderbilt 7-6 after a second quarter touchdown, the Gators needed a 43-yard Austin Hardin field goal with 2:22 left on the clock to beat the Commodores.
It was an ugly offensive performance as the Gators managed just 258 total yards and turned the football over four times, but the Florida defense was even better than usual. Through nine games, the Gators have allowed an average of 14.6 points and 288.8 total yards, but Vandy managed just 175 total yards – 74 of which came on Ralph Webb’s long TD run.
With such a strong defense, Florida is in a great position to improve to 9-1 overall with a victory over South Carolina this weekend.
The Gamecocks nearly knocked off Tennessee last week, but fell to 3-6 overall after the 28-24 loss in Knoxville, and now need victories over Florida, The Citadel and Clemson to become bowl eligible. Having their backs firmly against the wall could be a motivational factor that gives South Carolina a fighting chance against Florida, but a win in a definite long shot.
The biggest issue for the Gamecocks this season has been defense. South Carolina has allowed 208.3 rushing yards per game this season, which is the worst average in the SEC. That’s great news for a Florida rushing attack that combined for just 93 rushing yards last week and has only surpassed 208 rushing yards twice this season.
Expect a big day for Kelvin Taylor (631 rushing yards, 11 TD), and for the Gators to cover.
Next: Georgia at Auburn