The Michigan Wolverines and the Florida State Seminoles will face-off in Miami Gardens for this year’s edition of the Capital One Orange Bowl. The bowl classic is set to go off on Friday, December 30th at 8 p.m. ET and will be telecast on the ESPN Network. Entering this match-up, the Wolverines are -7 point favorite and the game’s total is down from 56.5 points to 52.5 points.
Michigan lost to the Buckeyes in their final regular season game, cost them a chance to compete for a BIG-10 title as well as a berth in the College Football Playoff. Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s club still reeled in a New Year’s Six bowl despite the double-overtime loss to Ohio State. Motivation will be a key factor in whether the Wolverines will be fired-up for this contest.
#6 Michigan (10-2):
Michigan was did not play their best football at a time when they needed to Although the Orange Bowl is quite the accomplishment for coach Harbaugh’s second season at the helm. Fortunately, quarterback Wilton Speight should be 100 percent for this grudge-match after dealing with a nagging shoulder injury. This season, the junior signal-caller threw for almost 2,400 yards with 17 touchdown passes and only six interceptions.
The Wolverines think run first when they line up against opposing defenses. Running back De’Veon Smith and defensive guru Jabrill Peppers will be heavily involved in the offensive game plan. So far, Smith has rumbled for 810 yards on 165 carries for 10 scores. Peppers has toted the rock 27 times for another three trips to pay-dirt. Watch out for bruising full back Khalid Hill in the red zone. The red zone weapon only carried the ball 25 times but 10 of them went for touchdowns.
When quarterback Wilson Speight is asked to move the ball down field via the air attack, he looks to two talented wide outs to get the job completed. The speedy duo has teamed up for 83 catches for almost 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns. Tight end Jake Butt is Speight’s favorite target. The future NFL starter has snatched-up 43 balls for 518 yards and four more end zone appearances.
Michigan has relied on its amazing defense to lead them to their 10-2 record and a chance at a win in the Orange Bowl on Friday. The Wolverine front seven was dominate, holding schools to 116 yards rushing (13th) and only 12.5 points per game (2nd). The secondary may be the best in the nation, ranking first in yards allowed (135.9) and the BIG-10 in interceptions.
#11 Florida State (9-3):
In my opinion, the Seminoles should be highly motivated for this one. Last year’s squad almost looked disappointed in their bowl game and played Houston to a loss as a result of it. The Seminoles endured a disappointing 2016 campaign, hoping to reestablish their ACC Conference dominance and reach the College Football Playoff.
However, red-shirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois exceeded expectations, and he proved to be one of the toughest kids-under-center in the nation. Overall, Francois completed 226 passes for 3,128 yards with 18 touchdowns and six picks. This game will surely be against the best secondary he has faced in 2016. The feisty signal-caller will need more of that same grit, if he hopes to put numbers up on the Wolverines.
Of course, it’s always nice to have a tail back like Delvin Cook to help ease the pressure on Deondre Francois. The once Heisman hopeful got off to a slow start this season, but became a force to deal with as the year progressed. As a whole, Cook scampered for an impressive 1,620 yards and a team-high 18 trips to the back of the end zone.
In fact, Delvin Cook also became the first Seminole running back since Sammie Smith in 1988, to have three straight 100-yard games against the Florida Gators. The do-it-all back catches passes as well and also reeled in 30 catches for 426 yards and another score.
Deondre Francois has spread the ball around nicely to his receivers in the Seminole’s passing game. Five different wide outs have caught over 20 passes and all of them have reached the end zone on multiple occasions. Wide receiver Travis Rudolph is his favorite target, snatching 53 balls for 807 yards and seven touchdowns.
To begin the year, All-Conference safety James was lost to a torn meniscus in his left knee. He didn’t play another down in the regular season. As a result, the Seminoles finished 65th in the country against the pass. Unlike the back-half, Florida state’s front seven was stout, surrendering only 131 rushing yards per game (27th).
Trends and Notes:
The Wolverines are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
The Seminoles are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 Bowl games.
The Over is 7-2 in the Wolverines last 9 Bowl games.
The Under is 5-2 in the Seminoles last 7 bowl games.
The first Orange Bowl was played in 1935, where Bucknell beat Miami 26-0.
Clemson’s DeShaun Watson took home last year’s Orange Bowl MVP award.
Game Prediction:
Not many head coaches would be able to have their team avoid a hangover effect, which the Wolverines could possibly have after a rough finish to the year. But JimHarbaugh will have his Wolverines ready. The Seminoles will put up a valiant effort behind quarterback Deondre Francois and Delvin Cook. Even so, a talented Wolverine defense will be the difference in this one.
Las Vegas originally set this line total at 56.5 and the betting public has forced it down to 52.5. Go with the experts first analysis in this game. Florida state’s defense has been suspect and they have given up way to many first half points. Michigan will hold them low enough to get the win, but not to hit the under. Play the over 52.5.
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