Florida vs LSU odds - No. 1 Gators going down at Death Valley
The Florida vs LSU odds presents college football fans with one of the biggest games of the year. In normal circumstances, the Gators would roll right through the Tigers, who have squeaked by on a weekly basis. But online betting fans know that with Tim Tebow’s concussion, everything is thrown for a loop. Can you trust the Gators to win?
Florida vs LSU odds: Florida -8
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Florida vs LSU odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The No. 1 Florida Gators (4-0, 2-0) have been considered to be one of the best college football teams since the Miami Hurricanes teams in the 90’s, but their Championship hopes will be threatened this weekend. Quarterback Tim Tebow suffered a serious concussion two weeks ago against Kentucky and has yet to recover from it. Without their superstar quarterback, the Gators’ goals this season could be in jeopardy as they head to the Bayou. With a win, everything is still on course. With a loss, the Gators will have to be perfect the rest of the way.
For the LSU Tigers, all they have faced this year is doubt. From week to week, pundits continue to question their merits, but all the Tigers continue to do is win. They can put the questions to bed with a win against the No. 1 team in the nation and the Tigers are more than capable of it. They have continued to improve week by week, and with a big win here, they could jump to the front of the line in the BCS Championship conversation.
Betting Edge: Florida
Florida vs LSU odds maker breakdown: Offense
The big question for sportsbook odds makers is Tebow’s health. The bigger issue with Tebow is not just will he play or not, but how healthy will he be if he plays? Tebow is not your typical pocket passer who throws the ball away when he’s under pressure - he makes positive gains and plays with reckless abandon. If he plays this way and takes a couple of big hits, he may not last long.
Beyond that, the Gators offense has relied on him more so this year than last year. They lack playmakers at wide receiver and their running game hasn’t been as lethal. Without Tebow, the Gators don’t have a shot, but with him - even if he isn’t 100% - the Gators have a chance to win this game.
LSU’s offense has played well in spurts this year but they have yet to play their best game. They have plenty of talent themselves, starting with quarterback Jordan Jefferson. He’s played well this year and he has led this team to victory every week. Beyond that, the Tigers have wideout Brandon LaFell, who might be the best receiver in the country, and they have a good ground game with Charles Scott and Keiland Williams. This is a very complete offense.
Betting Edge: Even
Florida vs LSU odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Gators defense has been solid this year, but it has been quite similar to the LSU defense: stout, but not pressuring the quarterback enough. One way for the Gators to win this game is to get to quarterback Jordan Jefferson and rattle him. Don’t forget, this will be the biggest game of his young career. The Tigers gave up six sacks to Georgia last week. For the Gators, this could be a real test for their defense. They have had an easy time while playing with the lead this year, but now they might have to play well when they are behind and maybe even stop some bleeding.
The Gators are a rushing offense but that might play into the teeth of the LSU defense. The Tigers have struggled to pressure the quarterback, but they haven’t had many problems stopping the run. Last week between the hedges, the Tigers held Georgia to just 45 total rushing yards. Playing at home will help as the Tigers defense always cranks it up a notch in front of its home fans.
Betting Edge: Even
Florida vs LSU odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Tebow injury lingers as the story of this game. Knowing Tebow, he will probably play, but how effective will he be? A concussion is a tricky injury and if he hasn’t fully recovered, he may be susceptible to suffering another one. LSU is a very physical defense and they will surely test Tebow out. If he doesn’t play, the task increases exponentially for Florida as they may not even be expected to win without Tebow.
Betting Edge: LSU
Florida vs LSU State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
With a healthy Tebow, Florida would be in for a challenge, yet one that they would likely overcome. However, NCAA football betting fans know that the Gators star is not healthy. Tebow is a legend at Florida and he can add to the fairy tale by coming back and leading his team to a win at Death Valley - yet that sounds like a magical story considering he hasn’t practiced in a while and he’s still feeling the symptoms.
LSU has not impressed the pundits to this point but you have to give them credit for getting the job done in tough road games at Washington, Mississippi State and Georgia. This team is better than they are getting credit for; they are improving weekly under the coaching of Les Miles, who somehow finds a way to win regularly. Not only will LSU cover the eight points, they’ll also get the outright win and shock the world.
BLAKE’S PICK: LSU +8
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