The Florida Gators are usually a big favorite with any online bookmaker but that is not the case so far this season as they are struggling in the transition from Tim Tebow. Tebow was the ultimate “Big Man on Campus” as the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national championship quarterback. Beyond that he was the Gator offense.
A Difficult Transition
While Florida was still a big Sbg sportsbook favorite to win the Southeastern Conference a transition period and adjustment was expected for new starting quarterback John Brantley, a junior that has patiently studied the offense while caddying for Tebow. The difficulty of the transition has as much to do with style as anything else. Brantley is a far more traditional and pure type of drop back passing quarterback than was the wild Tebow, who would run and offer a wider variety of talents although not look as good when throwing the ball.
Beyond that, head coach Urban Meyer has never run a pure pro style passing attack that is really better suited for Brantley. As a result of this Florida team ranks a stunning 92nd in the country for total yards and an even worse 103rd for passing. While Brantley has completed 62% of his passes for 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions he is averaging a meager 5.7 yards per attempt and that is causing growing concerns with offshore betting handicappers.
Somehow Undefeated
The Florida Gators are 3-0 straight up and have even paid out in 2 of those games but they did not make it easy on those betting with them against the online bookmaker as they struggled in both of their covers including last week’s 31-17 win at Tennessee as 13.5-point favorites. Florida has had three consecutive seasons in the black and remains a reliable bet despite their problems. The Gators are ranked 9th in the nation.
Better Starts Needed
Meyer has admitted that the offense is awful and has also stated that the team cannot continue to rely on second half bailouts that have had offshore betting fans sweating until the final gun. The Gators have not scored in the first quarter so far this season and as Southeastern Conference play heats up that must be corrected or Meyer will likely be back in the hospital feeling chest pains again. Florida is a 14-point home favorite against Kentucky for Saturday at 7:05 PM Eastern on ESPNU.