How Michigan can win
After breaking down lots of tape over the previous few weeks, Michigan quarterback Chad Henne said he thinks the Wolverines can take advantage of Florida’s young defense. He’s right. Even though the defense had one of its best games in the victory over FSU, it came against an offense that had been sporadic all season and had trouble running the ball.
Now that the Wolverines are back to full strength with the return of Henne and star running back Mike Hart, Michigan will have the kind of balance that has given the Gators fits all season. Meyer said earlier in the week that this Michigan offense reminds him of Georgia’s. The Bulldogs, of course, gutted the Gators with the ground game and then threw it over their heads in the passing game. The result was 42 points ” and it could have been more.
Michigan will take a similar approach. They’ll try to establish Hart on the ground, then try to burn the Gators with the pass.
The Wolverines should have no problem putting up points. Their biggest concern is how to stop Florida. The spread offenses of Appalachian State and Oregon devastated the Michigan defense, and Florida has the quarterback (Tim Tebow) and the skill players to do the same.
Michigan will have to take some chances with blitzes and try to sack Tebow and create some turnovers. If the Wolverines can break Florida’s serve a few times, they’re going to win this game.
Why Florida will win
Florida’s offense is on a real roll right now (51.0 points a game in the last four games) and that should continue against a Michigan defense that doesn’t seem to be able to defend the spread very well. Tebow will spread the ball around, get Percy Harvin involved early, and the Gators will put up some big offensive numbers. Some are wondering if Tebow might have a Heisman hangover in this game, but I just don’t see it. The kid works too hard and always seems ready to play. This game should be no different.
The UF defense is going to struggle with the Michigan offense, but the Gators are playing with some confidence now ” and playing fast. UF will use its speed and aggression to make some big plays and come up with some turnovers to slow down Michigan just enough to win this game.
Prediction: Florida 38, Michigan 28
