Originally Posted by
Serbone
15-14 + 4*
4* Florida - 14
Motivation wise, again I fear the big favorite will look at this as a "consolation game", Florida was in the running for BCS Championship until the end. And Louisville coach Strong is a good motivator, coming back against Florida where he was DC for several years. But I am counting on aggressive newer up and coming star Florida coach Mushchamp, he is a driver, will be pushing his team on the sidelines, he wants the Sugar Bowl win for his program, for his resume. He is aware of the legendary Bama flop against Utah in this exact same spot several years back.
But everything else points to Florida. Everything except the QB position, and that is over emphasized.
We have an elite, outstanding 11-1 SEC team, loaded with NFL beef, that beat A&M, LSU, So Carolina, Vandy, and Florida State. Florida is arguably the # 4 team in the land, played the # 8 SOS in the NCAA (Sagarin) against a banged up Big East team, about the # 50 team in the land, played the # 82 toughest schedule. Who did Louisville beat? They struggled to come from behind to nip Rutgers to get here. Rutgers. Florida's "D" is # 1 or so in the NCAA in ypg; they have a talented and deep DL against a Louisville OL that has allowed a ton of sacks. On artificial turf, their speed and athleticism will be magnified.
Louisville has an advantage at QB but that might be negated... Bridgewater is still a bit banged up and will be a marked man. Will he last the whole game? Also, the # 1 RB for Louisville has been out for the season last 2-3 games, they will struggle running, and Florida will tee off on Bridgewater. I think there will be several turnovers in Florida's favor as Bridgewater scrambles around and gets pounded. Sure, he will hit a few stray WR's for some good gains but he cannot outrun the rush all night and the Florida secondary is excellent, some will play on Sunday's.
Florida's "O" is underrated, do not fall for those stats, they play in The SEC, the best "D" in NCAA bar none. LSU, So Carolina, etc. I know Florida is only throwing for 143 ypg but I expect Driskel to go well over 225+ tonight, he is finally healthy, a little more experienced, is a very good, smart athlete, and his confidence has improved, they will pound the ball down Louisvile's throat with RB Gillislee and when Louisville crowds the line he will hit some WR's for big gains. I think it will be a breakout night for him. The Louisville "D" is inconsistent, I think they will falter against the run, their stats against the run are poor.
So SEC top notch team (best conference by far), healthy, superior talent, beat several bowl teams, ambitious coach, great "D", southern team in the South, vs northern Big East (not impressed by Big East in bowls so far and dont say Syracuse they beat WV who I still categorize as Big East) pretender, banged up, weak OL, I am going with the big favorite.
(you WANT to take the big 14 pt dog, after last night you think it is "due"... ha, do not think that way!)