This week’s matchup between the No. 8 Florida Gators (9-1) and the Florida Atlantic Owls (2-8) will give the Gators a chance to add to their three-game winning streak. The game will begin Saturday, Nov 21 at 12:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on SECN.
In last week’s game, Florida defeated South Carolina 24-14. Jake McGee had a quality performance in the victory, grabbing five balls for 45 yards. Kelvin Taylor had a big game as well, totaling 105 rushing yards and a TD on 20 carries. Florida Atlantic didn’t have the same success as Florida, losing to Middle Tennessee 24-17. Nate Terry had a solid outing for the Owls, hauling in two passes for 35 yards and one TD. Jenson Stoshak added 94 receiving yards on three catches.
A close score is not projected this week when the Owls, a heavy 31-point underdog, take on Florida.
Heading into Week 12 of the college football season, the Gators are 9-1 Straight Up (SU) and 7-3 Against The Spread (ATS). In the past five games, Florida is 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS. The Gators may capitalize on a fragile Owls pass defense that allows 13.1 yards per pass. Turning to the Gators defense, a few key spots could be deciding factors this week. The Owls might have a difficult time running the ball against the 10th-best run defense in the nation. The Gators give up 105.9 rushing yards per game. The Owls need to watch out for Florida’s tenacious defense. It averages the 14th-most turnovers with 2.1 per game. Based on an average time of possession of 33:10 per game, which ranks 18th in the nation, look for Florida to control the clock.
Across the field, the Owls head into Week 12 with records of 3-6-1 ATS and 2-8 SU. The Owls went 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS over the last five games. Lately, the Owls have had a better pass defense. They’re allowing only 244.4 passing YPG over their last five matchups. The pass rushers for the Owls have got to be excited about their matchup this week against the Gators, who rank 107th in the country with an average of 2.8 sacks allowed per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Florida
Notes
Florida is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 6 games.
Florida is 8-15-1 ATS in its last 24 games at home.
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Florida Atlantic is 18-5-1 ATS in its last 24 games on the road.
Florida Atlantic is 2-2 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Florida is 7-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
Florida Atlantic is only 1-2 SU this season when allowing at least 3.0 sacks in a game. The Florida defense is currently averaging 3.2 sacks over the last five games.
Per FBS ratings, Florida has an advantage in the passing game. Its offensive passing game (ranked 55th in the country) will face the 86th-ranked pass defense of Florida Atlantic, while its ninth-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 67th-ranked aerial attack of the Owls.
