CLOSING THOUGHTS ON FLORIDA v. LSU

 Gainesville Sun sports columnist, Pat Dooley, has predicted an LSU victory in The Swamp this Saturday.  This sentiment was echoed in yesterday’s MGoBlog picks, which predicted an outright victory for the Tigers as well.  Interestingly, the cacophony of learned CFB pundits has not manifested itself in Vegas, where the Gators remains 6-point favorites. 

Still, it goes without saying that those of you who make a habit of greedily gobbling the bland offerings of the pundits will become increasingly concerned as kickoff nears, praying to wahtever god you worship for a Festivus miracle to aid your Gators.   

Conversely, SNL’s confidence in the Gators remains unthawed.  This is a game that Florida must win and will win.  Sure, there will be some harrowing moments that will bring about the collective groans of 90,000 Gator fans in The Swamp, but the Gators are due.

To reiterate, SNL predicts aggressive play-calling on first down (pretty ingenious considering Florida is 7 for 30 on 3rd and 8 or longer), and a stiff run-defense bolstered by returning DT’s (see today’s paper).  LSU, imbued with confidence after breaking down Florida’s Ole Miss and Arkansas games, should be fairly predictable on 1st down, running Chuck “The Truck” into the teeth of the Gator defense.  This should result (at least early on) in a bevy unmanageable down and distance situations for the freshmen QB in the most hostile atmosphere in CFB. 

Unlike Auburn, the Gators can play offense and LSU, down by 10 at the half, will be unable to close the gap.  SNL says, 23-19 Gators.  Book it.

Working on ATS picks now, this is shaping up to be by far the best Saturday card to date so check back soon.