ORLANDO -- Florida is playing football on New Year’s Day.
Seems right, doesn’t it?
The No. 19 Gators look to end a two-game skid against the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines, hoping to avoid a frustrating finish to a promising season few expected.
Most expect a low-scoring, slobberknocker, so UF’s offense must avoid another no-show.
The Gators are the lone underdog of 10 SEC teams, but hey, even they scored 15 points against Alabama.
WHERE: Citrus Bowl
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WATCH: ABC
LINE: UF +4.5
THREE QUESTIONS
1. A 2012 Sugar Bowl repeat? Will UF actually show up?
2. Can Florida bottle up Michigan tight end Jake Butt?
3. Will the Gators implement more read-option, designed quarterback runs in what could be Treon Harris’ final game behind center?
QUICK NOTES
* Florida’s punchless attack eclipsed 300 yards just once in the final five games of the season.
* The Wolverines beat the Gators 41-35 in overtime in 2008, the final game of Hall of Fame coach Lloyd Carr’s career.
* The Gators suspended four players for today’s game, but the team’s injury situation is largely unknown.
* UF is 2-3 all-time in the Citrus Bowl.
LINKS - UF vs MICHIGAN
South Florida quarterbacks ready to duel
No quick fix for Florida’s offense
Is UF’s offensive line in store for more lumps?
Jon Bullard glad he returned for his senior season
Notebook: Scarlett suspended, Neal & Maye mum on NFL
Gators look for bowl win to erase end-of-season disappointments
Florida embarks on its final “business trip” of the year
SKINNY SIX-PACK
How about one final skinny six-pack to help cure that New Year’s Eve hangover! Still looking for that elusive 5-0 week. 42-22-1 ATS on the season.
Ohio State (-6) vs Notre Dame
Stanford (-4) vs USC
Tennessee vs Northwestern (+10)
Ole Miss (-7) vs Oklahoma State
And finally, Florida (+4.5) vs Michigan. TAKE THE UNDER. TAKE THE UNDER. TAKE THE UNDER. Oh, and grab the points because this game could come down to a safety. Even the two Jim’s joked during Thursday’s luncheon that the first to four points wins.
Enjoy all the New Year’s Day football, y’all.
Follow me on Twitter @JesseReSimonton
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