^I can agree with that. IMO, UC needs to be balanced against UF. Teams that have had success against UF the last few years have been able to run the ball and hit timely passes. I don't know if they want to go in throwing the ball 40 times, UF's better in pass defense IMO, especially their DL. JMO.

While the UF DL is likely the best UC will face, the OL had done a great job protecting Pike/Collaros against USF and Pitt who have a ton of talent in that unit as well. I have no doubt UF will be able to disrupt him some, but Pike doesn't get enough praise for his feel in the pocket and how well he uses his feet under pressure to shift around while keeping his eyes down field. I do agree that Pead will need to have a big game to keep them honest and not pinning their ears back and attacking...

Joe Haden v. Mardy Gilyard will be an exciting matchup.

UF wins easy.

 

UF 31

UC 13

While the UF DL is likely the best UC will face, the OL had done a great job protecting Pike/Collaros against USF and Pitt who have a ton of talent in that unit as well.

 

If Dunlap doesn't play, I think USF may have more talent on the d-line; however, the defensive line isn't what makes Florida so good.

While the UF DL is likely the best UC will face, the OL had done a great job protecting Pike/Collaros against USF and Pitt who have a ton of talent in that unit as well. I have no doubt UF will be able to disrupt him some, but Pike doesn't get enough praise for his feel in the pocket and how well he uses his feet under pressure to shift around while keeping his eyes down field. I do agree that Pead will need to have a big game to keep them honest and not pinning their ears back and attacking...

 

USF's is comparable, but UF is deeper IMO. Also, if they can create any sort of pressure, the LBs and DBs for UF are much better than what UC has faced. It's a whole new ball game for them, and like you said the 1st quarter will be huge for Cincy.

USF's is comparable, but UF is deeper IMO. Also, if they can create any sort of pressure, the LBs and DBs for UF are much better than what UC has faced. It's a whole new ball game for them, and like you said the 1st quarter will be huge for Cincy.

Pitt led the nation in sacks, so I'd say they are right up there with both across the front 4...

No they aren't as good this year as they were last year, but that would be hard to match. Last year's team was one of the best teams in CFB history. I'm not disputing whether or not Bama is better, because they are clearly better than Florida. Their defense isn't as bad as it looked last night, I can guarantee you that.

 

How so?

 

First of all, they didn't go undefeated.

 

They also weren't dominant in the SEC title game or National title game.

I can't wait to see the Cincy O against the Gator D. I'm really looking forward to this one.

Pitt led the nation in sacks, so I'd say they are right up there with both across the front 4...

 

Different level of competition and athleticism IMO. Not necessarily the starters, but UF will probably play about 10 guys on their defensive line that would be stars for other teams conferences. I don't think it's the starters where teams struggle with the SEC, it's the amount of depth SEC elite teams have.

What makes UF good against the pass is not just their line, it's their secondary. Unlike USF, they have the speed to play one-on-one with Gilyard and company. That opens up the Florida blitz package. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kelly wildcat or change up some with Collaros to keep the Gators honest. He may have to, to keep Tony healthy the entire game.

 

Having said that, Florida hasn't come up against an offense as potent as UC's, either. I think this is going to be a great game.

 

Also, remember, nobody thought Utah had a chance against Alabama last year.

Gators will name the score in this one, I just can't see Tebow going out with two straight loses.

Just for fun, the 2008 predictions.

 

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/showthread.php?t=168476

 

Note that KyTiger89 is the only person, I could find, to pick Utah over Bama.

 

My favorite prediction ...

 

*Bama/Utah - If the BCS learned anything from last year it should be this. Don't throw small confrences to the wolves that are the SEC. This will look alot like UGA vs Hawaii except I think Utah is a little more balanced. Don't expect this to be much of a game, but Utah can run the program for years on this payout.

It will be interesting to see what UF's mindset is in a few weeks.

Do they consider their season over with the loss to Bama?

I think Meyer will have them ready to play...if they aren't UC can beat them.

If Strong is going to UL will he stay for the Bowl? How will the Florida Defense react/play if he doesn't? Just asking.

I think this game will be closer than some think. UC obviously hasn't seen a team with the speed and athleticism that Florida will have, but I can guarantee Florida hasn't seen an offense as potent as UC's.

 

The Cats have the skill guys to compete with Florida in Woods, Gilyard, Pead, Pike, and Binns. It's their lines that I worry about in this game.

 

With that said....

 

Florida- 38

Cincy- 27