College Football Odds: SEC Week 13 picks against the spread
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) is picked up by linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) as he intercepted the ball against the Florida Atlantic Owls during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday December 28, 2015
- Time: 7:30 PM Eastern
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Spread: Florida State -2.5
- Over/Under Total: 43
One of two games featuring national championship contenders from the SEC, 10-1, No. 12 Florida hosts arch rival Florida State Saturday in Gainesville.
Following a lackluster month of November in which the Gators played closer than expected games against Vanderbilt (9-7), South Carolina (24-14) and Florida Atlantic (20-14 in overtime), a victory over the 9-2, No. 13 Seminoles would be a huge step in the right direction heading into the SEC Championship Game against (likely) Alabama.
Despite the poor showing over the last three weeks, two straight victories over quality ranked opponents could be enough for the Gators to make it into the final four – especially if they get some help along the way. But first things first.
The Florida defense has carried the Gators this season, and the unit currently ranks second in the SEC and sixth in the nation in total defense (281.7 yards allowed per game). The Gators will be tested by arguably the most talented offense they’ve played this season. Led by running back Dalvin Cook, the Seminoles have averaged 32.8 points and 435.9 yards of total offense this season and star defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard is questionable to play due to injury.
Florida will also have their hands full offensively. The Gators have averaged just 360.1 yards of total offense and have scored 27.4 points per game this season and haven’t scored more than 28 points in a game since their 38-10 victory over Ole Miss Oct. 3. Florida State doesn’t have quite the dominant defense of years past (17.0 points and 333.6 total yards allowed per game this season), but the Seminoles can match up with anyone talent-wise.
With quarterback Treon Harris (1,231 passing yards, 8 TD, 4 INT) completing just 54.6 percent of his passes and the Florida offensive line allowing 19 sacks in Harris’ six starts, the Gators could be in trouble.
What do you think about this week’s SEC predictions against the spread? Let us know in the comments below.