NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Friday, Jan. 1, 12:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Stadium: Florida Citrus Bowl
Line: Michigan (-4.5)
The Florida Gators and Michigan Wolverines might be powerhouses in college football, but neither team received a ton of hype entering 2015. Both teams have exceeded expectations — to say the least.
The Gators finished the year with a 10-3 record, and even had a shot at winning the SEC championship. Unfortunately, they went down to the Alabama Crimson Tide in said SEC championship.
The Wolverines finished off 2015 with a 9-3 record, and fell just short when it came to making the Big Ten title game.
READ: 15 Bold Predictions For Bowl Season
Needless to say, the Wolverines’ and Gators’ coaching changes in the offseason did them wonders.
Michigan brings an elite defense to the table. Here’s the proof: The Wolverines had three shutouts on the year (all in a row) and they are only giving up 17.2 PPG (ranked No. 11 in college football). The Gators rock an elite defense as well, as they are only allowing 16.5 PPG (ranked No. 8). Keep in mind, both teams play in arguably the top two conferences in the sport.
Michigan’s losses: Utah Utes, Michigan State Spartans, Ohio State Buckeyes.
Florida’s losses: LSU Tigers, Florida State Seminoles, Alabama Crimson Tide.
Both squads are riding losing streaks into bowl season. Although this might not be a playoff battle, this is one of the more intriguing contests of bowl season. For that, we thank the schedule makers.
Side note: Bowl season is all about the bragging rights, and the winner of this one will surely be giving their conference some serious, well, bragging rights.
PREDICTION: Wolverines 16, Gators 21
Trevor Lowry is a Content Associate at www.RantSports.com. If you’re a tweeter feel free to follow him @TheTrevorLowry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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