Peach Bowl - Florida vs. Michigan

When these two meet in sports due to my 31 years in Detroit plus all the family and friends I left behind there it's a pretty special match-up even if the Wolverines have owned it 4-0 over the Gators.
Now three of Michigan's best players in Gary, Higdon and Bush have decided to sit this one out.
If Michigan goes up 5-0 in the meetings between the two schools by winning so shorthanded in this one then it should count double for UM.
I could see it happening though.... that's the toughness of Jim Harbaugh to find a way to get it done anyway..... thoughts?

 

Dave, the Gators certainly have a shot at winning this one now with the missing players mentioned in your post.

 

Missing players for Michigan. Harbaugh still soul searching. Easy Gator win.

 

Can't imagine it being easy Corey..... more like the grind vs. LSU was if UF can pull it off.

With those players I do think Michigan wins a fairly competitive game.

If all of Florida's players show up both in spirit and physically I do think Florida can and probably should win this one.
These new bowl developments with players sitting out make for a strange bowl season.

And from Harbaugh this week.... not so fast my friend!!
"We have had great practices this week.... I can't wait to play this game"

Michigan is still a 6.5 point favorite so if the Gators win it will be an upset according to Vegas and the money bettors.... and me too.

 

Granted those players are really good players, but by now Harbaugh has built some depth and I imagine that UM will arrive ready to play and prove something after being embarassed by Ohio State.

 

Agreed Terry.... that depth is the reason that UM is still a 6.5 point favorite.

 

Oh well.... CBSSports online model has the game coming out like my original fear and projection:
Bah Humbug!!

"Another college football prediction from SportsLine's model: No. 7 Michigan covers as a seven-point favorite at the Peach Bowl over No. 10 Florida.

Michigan will be without star defenders Rashan Gary and Devin Bush. Star running back Karan Higdon will also sit out, but the model predicts that the Wolverines still have enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to be successful against a Florida offense that has struggled mightily against strong defenses.

The Gators only managed 16 points in a loss to Kentucky early in the year, scored just 13 in a win over Mississippi State, and only put up 17 points while being blown out by Georgia. Against Michigan, the model expects tough sledding again for Florida.


According to the projections, Florida manages just 19 points as Michigan's defense records four sacks and forces at least two turnovers. That helps the Wolverines cover in 55 percent of simulations despite the NFL draft defections. The Under (50.5) is also a strong value, as it hits nearly 60 percent of the time"

 

projections mean nothing

 

I see where the starting right tackle for Michigan is not going to play as well. Your odds for winning are increasing.

 

Apparently Michigan can beat Florida with one hand tied behind their back because the line doesn't waver much.... UM by 6.5
Actually Harbaugh has had some pretty good recruiting classes there and has the depth. Last year UF was missing some key players vs. Michigan in their opener due to suspension and it showed.
I'll be shocked if the Gators don't show up in this one and the Wolverines win handily..... surprised if Florida does pull out a win somehow..... and kind of expect a very close game that's competitive with a probable Michigan win at the end of the day.

 

we could have Florida playing the one legged knight from Monty Python and Dave would still build it into David vs Goliath.

 

What soul searching Corey?

 

I think Texas had 3 or 4 players opt not to play in last years Texas Bowl v Missouri and still won. Those UM players that won't be participating are better though than the guys from Texas last year. So I expect it might have more impact. Of course it gives the backups an opportunity and maybe those guys will come an play with some fire. I'd be disappointed if Mullen can't motivate those players who have played and lost several times to Michigan into showing up and playing with some fire in their bellies.

 

"I'd be disappointed if Mullen can't motivate those players who have played and lost several times to Michigan into showing up and playing with some fire in their bellies."

Kinda what I am counting on Terry. A fully stocked Florida team playing Michigan with desire and commitment to the game being played..... both of which things were sorely lacking in our last two contests with the Maize and Blue.

 

After the ass pounding they took from Ohio State, they better be doing some soul searching.

 

I think that Michigan should be ready to try and make amends for that game.... should be.

But you never know if that's how they will view it although Harbaugh is saying they have had great practices.... so that may foretell a huge effort from UM in this one.

 

Well tomorrow we find out about this game and more important about the two finalist for the Championship game.

 

Well Chase Winovich, UM 5th year Sr DE, will play in the Peach Bowl inspite of needing an undisclosed surgery. Said it's his last game as a Wolverine and won't miss it for anything. While I'm not rooting for UM in this game, I admire his loyalty.

 

I wonder what kind of draft projection Winovich has. If it was high enough he might be sitting out too. It's hard to accept that Michigan can be without these year long team leaders and still be at the top of their game.
Really good depth and coaching if they are unaffected.

 

Good read from ESPN on the state of Michigan football and a look to the future of playing OSU without Meyer:
What's next for Michigan in a post-Urban Meyer world?