The 2015 bowl season is littered with exciting matchups of teams, players, and even fan bases. As we transition into the year 2016, the bowl slate is still filled with intrigue. Especially when you have an ex-Michigan QB in Jim Harbaugh who has exceeded expectations this season and guided his alma mater to a nine win season. While first year Florida head coach Jim McElwain has got off to a hot start as well with 10-3 in his initial seasons. Who will walk away victorious in another Big Ten/SEC showdown in the Citrus Bowl? Let’s take a look.
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Why Michigan May Win:
In order for Michigan to earn a victory, their defense has to set the tone from the kickoff. What gives that statement life is that they have been accomplishing that mission in just about every game this season. Third overall in total defense (281.3 ypg), and suffocating sixth in scoring defense (17.2), and not to mention being second in 3rd down conversions as teams have been able to convert only 25% of the time throughout the season. There are playmakers literally everywhere: CB Jabrill Peppers (45 tackles, ten pass deflections), LB Joe Bolden (76 tackles, six TFLs) CB Jourdan Lewis (49 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 19 pass deflections, two INTs) DL Chris Wormley (39 tackles, 12 TFLs, 5.5 sacks) and that’s just to name a few.
On offense, Harbaugh has called upon Iowa transfer Jake Rudock at quarterback. Rudock has been steady to say the least as he has tossed for 2,739 yards and 17 TDs. It took him a little while but Rudock hit a stride the last four games as he threw 11 TDs and only two INTs. Essentially, he has only had three steady targets in TE Jake Butt and WRs Jehu Chesson and Amara Dorboh.
“As we transition into the year 2016, the bowl slate is still filled with intrigue”
Why Florida May Win:
The reason why some may feel these two teams mirror each other is because both have skilled, elite defenses. Everywhere you turn there is an NFL type talent. LB corps are led by Antonio Morrison (90 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks), Jarrad Davis (90 tackles, 11 TFLs, four pass deflections). The defense has a line that is fueled by future 2016 Draft pick Jonathan Bullard who leads the team with 18 tackles for loss and also 6.5 sacks. A defense in Gainesville has held opponents 16.5 points per game (fifth in CFB) and only 295.4 yards a game (sixth).
The offense as a whole has been a real issue for the Gators but the defense has been truly relied on more than most would want. Quarterback Treon Harris has filled in and passed for only 1,530 yards and nine TDs. RB Kelvin Taylor has been someone reliable throughout the season with 985 rushing yards and 13 TDs. In order for Florida to win, the inefficiency by Harris is going to have to be masked a little with Taylor and talented but young receivers Antonio Callaway and Brandon Powell.
Who Will Win:
With the play of Harris throughout the season, it’s difficult to see the offense generate points and yards especially against the Wolverine defense. Look for Taylor to get a workload early to limit putting Harris in tough situations. Two lockdown corners for Michigan truly helps them. It can take a lot out of the Gators offense. A defensive game in the making but I trust Rudock to manage and win a game instead of Harris.
Wolverines 20 Gators 16