Front Porch FootballPeach Bowl: Florida vs. Michigan
by Chris Paschal
The Florida Gators showed the country that they are one of the most talented teams in the country. They gave Georgia a great showing for three quarters. They beat LSU. And they won nine games. A win over Michigan in the Peach Bowl would give them number ten. But Michigan has had a helluva season as well. After losing to Notre Dame, the Wolverines rattled off ten consecutive wins before losing to Big Ten Champion, Ohio State. This should be a great battle between two programs that want to head into 2019 with a lot of momentum.
Player to Watch
Quarterback Shea Patterson for Michigan has already announced that he will be returning to Ann Arbor next season instead of heading to the NFL Draft. Patterson is athletic, mobile, and the best quarterback Michigan has had during the Harbaugh era. But for Michigan to win this game, he is going to have to play his best football to date. The Gators have sacked the quarterback 32 times, recorded 12 interceptions, and recovered 12 fumbles. There are athletes throughout this defense. Further, this is the ninth best passing defense in the country. I don’t think Florida is going to be able to put a lot of points on the board, so if Patterson is able to play a complete game, Michigan leaves Atlanta with the win.
Key to the Game
Can Florida find a way to get to 20 points? This Michigan team is one of the best run defenses in the country. In fact, this Michigan team is one of the best pass defenses in the country. To be honest, Michigan is one of the best defenses overall. But they were last year, too, and South Carolina found a way to scrape together a win. They did it by forcing turnovers and striking while the iron was hot. South Carolina went from trailing 19-3, to scoring 23 unanswered points and winning 26-19. Florida will have to force some turnovers, take some shots with these talented receivers, and try and establish a rushing attack. If they fail in any of these areas, Florida will not find a way to 20 points.
Stat of the Game
Not really a stat, more an observation. Rashan Gary (defensive tackle) and Devin Bush (linebacker) are both sitting out of the Peach Bowl. Will Michigan be able to replace their two best defensive players, or will Florida be able to expose a weakened Wolverine team?
Conclusion
I think this Florida team is more fired up to be in Atlanta than Michigan is. Further, Florida has some studs on the defensive side of the ball that are going to want to improve their draft stock. I could see this being their best performance of the season. Florida will find a way to rush for about 150 yards, force a couple of turnovers, and get to 20. On paper, Michigan should win this game, but I don’t trust the Wolverines are as motivated or focused on this game as the Gators are.
