NCAA Betting - Showdown In the Desert
by Robby Maddux
In their first meeting ever, the No. 2 BCS Championship Game.
Smith threw for 2,507 yards, 30 touchdowns and only five interceptions this season, while compiling a 167.9 passer rating, fourth-best in the nation. He also ran 62 times for 233 yards.
Smith led the 12-0 SU Buckeyes past the then-No. 2 Wolverines 42-39 in their season finale, Nov. 18, completing 29 of 41 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. Smith, receiver Ted Ginn Jr., and running back Antonio Pittman flashed speed and talent that could prove difficult for the Gators.
BCS Bowl Games
- Rose Bowl
- Fiesta Bowl
- Orange Bowl
- Sugar Bowl
- BCS Championship Game
Florida's defense ranks sixth in the country with 13.5 points and 74.5 rushing yards allowed per game, despite playing in what was widely regarded as the nation's top conference.
Ohio State owns a dominant defensive unit of its own. Gators quarterback Chris Leak directs an offense that averaged 398.1 yards and 28.8 points a contest, but the Buckeyes are giving up only 273.0 yards and 10.4 points per game, which is second in the nation.
Florida head coach Urban Meyer is 3-0 SU in bowl games, while Ohio State's Jim Tressel is 4-1 in bowls.
Against the spread (ATS) stats are important to bettors, so here's some notable trends to help put you at the ticket counter with a winner:
- Gators are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
- Gators are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog.
- Gators are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Bowl games.
- Gators are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Gators are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
- Buckeyes are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite.
- Buckeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Bowl games.
- Buckeyes are 10-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Buckeyes are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
Summary
The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes face the No. 2 Florida Gators on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz., for the national championship. It's the first ever meeting between the two powerhouses, and the action surely won't disappoint.
Ohio State's high-octane offense will attempt to cash for Buckeye backers, as the speedy Gators try to send their investors running to the bank. It's a much anticipated matchup, so don't miss this unprecedented game between No. 1 vs. No. 2.
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