[12:02 PM] #23 Florida @ Vanderbilt

Who will WIN this matchup?

#23 Florida Gators (3-1)

@ Vanderbilt Commodores (2-2)

 

Current odds:

Florida Gators: (-415)

Vanderbilt Commodores: (+348)

 

ESPN simulations have Florida as 85% favorites to win the game.

84% of sports bets are currently on Florida to win as (-415) favorites.

No. 21 Florida might have to play without quarterback Luke Del Rio for a second consecutive week when it travels Saturday to Vanderbilt, but the other side of the football is the bigger concern for the Gators. Florida – which came into Saturday with the nation’s top-ranked defense – gave up 38 consecutive points in blowing a 21-0 lead last week at Tennessee, dropping the Gators out of the top spot in the SEC East.

The Commodores also struggled on defense last week, escaping with a 31-30 overtime victory at Western Kentucky thanks to running back Ralph Webb’s touchdown run on the final play of regulation and a missed 2-point conversion by the Hilltoppers in overtime. Vanderbilt allowed 496 yards of total offense and 6.2 yards per rushing attempts.

Even with last week’s meltdown, the Gators still lead the SEC in total defense (221.8 yard per game, fourth nationally) and are allowing a league-best 13 points per game.

Quarterback Kyle Shurmur played well down the stretch in the Commodores’ rally, going 8-for-12 for 155 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter and overtime. Webb leads the SEC in rushing (472 yards) and is ninth nationally after rushing for 95 yards and three touchdowns last week. Vanderbilt is allowing 452.5 yards per contest, next-to-last in the SEC.

Florida has won 24 of its past 25 meeting with Vanderbilt, including a 9-7 home victory last season.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: #23 Florida Gators

Confidence: 6/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick