College football lines - Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators
Posted on 9/15/2008 4:54:12 PM
By Blake Frazier
Tennessee vs. Florida lines: Volunteers looking for revenge
WHAT: NCAA football betting
WHO: Florida Gators (-7.5) @ Tennessee Volunteers (+7.5)
WHEN: Saturday, September 20 at 3:30 PM ET
WHERE: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida
KEY STATS: Florida is 11-5 against the spread versus Tennessee in last 16 meetings; Volunteers 0-6 straight up in their last six games as a home underdog of 3.5 to 10 points
THE PICK: Tennessee
NCAA football betting aficionados know that last week’s USC Trojans versus Ohio State Buckeyes contest was the most anticipated national battle, but this week’s matchup between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers has the most SEC juice. After all, the last two national champions have come from the SEC.
This is a big revenge game for the underdog Volunteers, who were stomped out 59-20 last season when Florida kept its foot squarely on the pedal despite an insurmountable lead in the second half. Florida ran up the score, and the Volunteers have had revenge on their minds ever since.
Gators vs. Volunteers odds favor Florida by 7.5 points. Florida is ranked fourth in the nation while Tennessee lost its opening week to UCLA, which was just crushed 59-0 by BYU. If a-squared plus b-squared equaled c-squared, the Volunteers should lose by more than the 7.5 points.
The Volunteers have a fairly decent team but as they open up SEC play, they have to answer a few questions. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton is a first-year starter while their defense was pillaged by a pulse-less UCLA offense and its third-string quarterback.
Florida’s offense is significantly better with Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at the helm and explosive playmaker Percy Harvin lurking in the backfield. Florida scored 59 points in last year’s meeting and odds are they’ll explode again if the Volunteers haven’t plugged their leaks.
The biggest issue for Tennessee is their run defense. While the secondary is among the best in the conference – and in the nation – the rush defense doesn’t always stand up to the challenge. If the Volunteers fall behind early and are forced to ditch their own running game, it will be a very long day for Tennessee.
BLAKE’S PICK: At least Tennessee is playing at home. Last year’s one-sided affair took place at The Swamp and, with this year’s game at Rocky Top and revenge on the line, expect the Volunteers to have a much more spirited effort.
Tennessee is in better shape injury-wise even though the Gators have had a bye week College football betting sharps should bet on the Vols to keep this one close. For Florida vs. Tennesee picks, bet on the Volunteers at +7.5.
For all your online sportsbook betting needs, visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook. Be sure to visit The Bettor's Edge daily for the hottest tips and advice on Gators vs. Volunteers lines.
Blake
walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant
coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports
handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who
has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a
chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email
Comments@BetOnline.com.
