Taylor, defense Florida’s best shot at upset
If Florida is going to pull off a massive upset in today’s SEC Championship Game over Alabama, it’ll need its defense and running back Kelvin Taylor to shine.
The Gators scored only a safety in a 27-2 loss to Florida State last weekend, which has prompted 67% of public bettors to back the Crimson Tide to cover the spread in today’s 4:00PM ET title game. According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, ‘Bama is currently a 17.5-point favorite over UF.
Taylor gives the Gators their best hope for any kind of sustained offense against the conference’s best front seven. He surpassed 100 yards rushing in three consecutive games and even rushed for a season-high 136 yards against FSU last week. But every time Florida got inside Florida State territory, the Gators turned the ball over in a variety of ways.
The Tide defense ranks first in the country against the run, limiting opponents to just 78.92 rushing yards per contest. ‘Bama even held LSU running back Leonard Fournette to just 31 yards, so Taylor has his work cut out for him.
On the other side, Florida ranks fifth in the nation in total yards allowed per game (283.6), ninth in passing yards allowed (171.7), and eighth in rushing yards allowed (111.9). They’re also surrendering just 15.5 points per game, which is the fifth-fewest in college football this season.
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