Florida vs South Carolina Odds - Gators remain unbeaten, but fail to cover massive spread
Florida hasn’t been good for sportsbook players this year, even though they stay on top of the NCAA football rankings. The Gators head to South Carolina this Saturday for a reunion with an old Florida legend, and after a recent two-game losing skid on the road, the Gamecocks’ defense will get their act together enough to keep the Gators from covering.
Florida vs South Carolina odds: Florida -15
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Florida vs South Carolina odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The No.1 Gators (9-0, 7-0) handled Vanderbilt 27-3 for their 19th straight win, but they still haven’t delivered the type of performance that convinces people they’re the best team in the nation. The Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4) are beginning their annual late-season slide as their 33-16 loss at Arkansas was their second in a row. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is a Florida legend as a Heisman winner, and he coached them to the national title in 1996. He’d love nothing more than to throw a wrench into his alma mater’s BCS plans. Florida definitely has more to lose here. Betting Edge: Florida
Florida vs South Carolina odds maker breakdown: Offense
Florida is missing the big play in their offense, which isn’t surprising as they lost players like Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy to the NFL (ironically, both were at the Vandy game). The Gators will grind it out with Tim Tebow on the ground, and he’s efficient enough as a passer, but Jeff Demps hasn’t had the impact that many figured he would out of the backfield. Still, Florida is eighth in the nation on the ground, and it all starts with the offensive line. The Gamecocks’ offense has stumbled, and their 16 points against Arkansas was their highest total in four games. Stephen Garcia has averaged over 288 yards over those four games, but it’s not translating to points for South Carolina. The rushing attack has had its share of troubles, as well. Betting Edge: Florida
Florida vs South Carolina odds maker breakdown: Defense
The defense is the reason why Florida are still the online sports betting favorites to win the national title, as they’re ranked second in the country. They held Vanderbilt to 199 yards, and was without Brandon Spikes, who suspended himself for his eye-gouging incident against Georgia. The thing about Florida is their speed: the entire team is fast and they swarm to the ball. The South Carolina defense that held up so well at the beginning of the season has struggled on the road at Tennessee and Arkansas. Their seventh-ranked pass defense gave up 329 yards against the Razorbacks, and they’re 64th against the run, which means Tebow and company could have a field day. Betting Edge: Florida
Florida vs South Carolina odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Florida has no major injuries to report, and they’re actually getting stronger as running back Chris Rainey (shoulder) got worked into the Vanderbilt game with a few carries. Defensive end Cliff Matthews (shoulder) missed the Arkansas game and is doubtful this week as well. Safety Chris Culliver (disciplinary) is back after he walked out of a practice. Betting Edge: Florida
Florida vs South Carolina betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Gators have dominated this rivalry as of late, winning nine of the last 10. Since winning in 2005, his first year at South Carolina, Spurrier has three straight losses against his alma mater, and the last two have been demolitions. However, this year will at least be competitive as the Gamecocks will be excited to be at home after two awful road games, and Florida’s offense is a grind-it-out type of unit. Florida’s defense will win them the game straight up, but with a 3-4-1 record against the spread this year, I wouldn’t back the Gators to cover this week. BLAKE’S PICK: South Carolina +15
For more of the best picks and tips in the sports betting industry, check Blake weekly in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Florida vs South Carolina matchup, check out our stats section. Blake Frazier is one of BetOnline.com's college football experts.
