Like defense anyone? I hope so, because the 2015 Orlando Citrus Bowl will provide plenty of that. The 9-3 Michigan Wolverines take on the 10-3 Florida Gators in a bowl game that been has been played in Orlando since 1947. Both teams received their invitation off of hard fought campaigns and a defensive attitude. Both first year coaches go for broke, in a rock-em, sock-em affair in sunny Florida.
Bowl: Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Teams: Michigan Wolverines vs Florida Gators
Date/Time: January 1, 2016 – 1 PM EST on ABC
Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Vegas Line/Total: Michigan -4 / O/U 38.5
Written by: Erik the Hun
9 – 3 Record – 6 – 6 Vs Spread 11/28/15 Ohio State L 13-42 L 1.5 O 46.5 |
10 – 3 Record – 8 – 5 Vs Spread 12/05/15 vs Alabama L 15-29 W 16.5 O 38 |
December 28, 2013 – Buffalo W.W Bowl – Michigan 14 – 31 Kansas St January 1, 2013 – Outback Bowl – Michigan 28 – 33 South Carolina January 3, 2012 – Sugar Bowl – Michigan 23 – 20 Virginia Tech January 1, 2011 – Gator Bowl – Michigan 14 – 52 Mississippi St January 1, 2008 – Capital One Bowl – Michigan 41- 35 Florida |
January 3, 2015 – Birmingham Bowl – Florida 28 – 20 ECU January 2, 2013 – Sugar Bowl – Florida 23 – 33 Louisville January 2, 2012 – Gator Bowl – Florida 24 – 17 Ohio State January 1, 2011 – Outback Bowl – Florida 37 – 24 Penn State January 1, 2010 – Sugar Bowl – Florida 51-24 Cincinnati |
Michigan Outlook:
Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach would be to most, considered a success. The Wolverines solved the 2015 year season schedule by finishing with a respectable 10 win season in the Big Ten and landing here in Florida. A gritty defense and conservative offensive play-calling allowed the Wolverines to stay competitive and land themselves in the Citrus Bowl.
Quarterback Jake Rudock was asked to fill a roll as ball proprietor and responded. Rudock gathered 2739 yards and 17 touchdowns and nine giveaways. In tight ball games he proved to have ice water in his veins, but not cannon-fodder in his arm.
Running back De’Veon Smith was Michigan’s leading ball carrier. Smith compiled an unimpressive 644 yards on 155 hand-offs. Smith managed to collect six touchdowns along the way.
Two other receivers caught 101 balls for 1349 and 13 touchdowns. The 6’6 260 pound tight end Jake Butts, pitched in for 48 balls for 620 yards and three scores. More importantly, he announced he will be staying another year.
Michigan’s defense allowed just 17 points a game against and gave in to only 280 yards of offense. Collecting under 300 yards a contest with the Fighting Irish’s schedule is impressive. The Wolverines ranked third in passing defense at 158.6 yards, which was good for third in the FBS standings. Ranked second in the country in kick-off return average and 33rd in punt returns, Michigan’s special teams was a valuable weapon.
Florida Outlook:
Jim McElwain’s first year in Florida found him in the 2015 Citrus Bowl on the heels of a smothering defense and an offense that might actually be as bad as Harbaughs. I guess 10 win seasons like these should be a god-send in Gatorville, after the Urban Meyer departure to Ohio State. The less-than inspiring offense scored just 24.5 points a contest and notched less than 350 yards of offense a game.
Quarterback Kelvin Harris was blah. Harris threw for 1530 yards on 133 attempts and accounted for nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Will Grier, lost for the year because of a banned-substance suspension, knotted 1202 for 10 touchdowns and three picks.
Obviously, Kelvin Taylor will be getting the ball for most of the day. Taylor was responsible for 248 carries for 985 yards and 13 trips to glory. Three other backs basically spelled Taylor while he caught his breath on the sidelines.
Antonio Callaway, Jake McGee and DeMarcus Robinson combined for 117 catches for 1487 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Like their counterparts in Michigan, Florida’s backbone is made from the marrow of its defense. Ranking sixth at 295.4 yards a contest, and ninth in the nation in points allowed at 16.5 points a game, this group is why the Gators are playing in Citrus Bowl.
Matchup Analysis & Prediction
Analysis:
It’s steel versus steel, as two defensive teams battle it out in the 2015 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. A great restaurant deserves a great game. A close defensive battle once again rises to the scene to provide just that. The coaches will play a huge part in deciding the outcome of this game. Field position and turnovers will determine the difference. Jump on board, buckle-up, and get ready for some good old fashioned football clubs to flex some defensive muscle.
Prediction:
To get further analysis from Ej the Rainmaker and Erik the Hun, check out our audio preview of the Citrus Bowl using the audio file below…
