IN THE TRENCHES - BARELY FAVORS THE BUCKEYES
When Ohio State has the ball, the Gators should be able to stand up to the Big Ten maulers. I would expect the underrated RB Antonio Pittman to still get his 100 yards and a touchdown, but the Gators have the most athletic front four the Buckeyes have looked at all year (even with the dismissal of Marcus Thomas), including Michigan.
The real issue for the Gators will be when they have the ball. A talented O-line has battled depth issues all year, but the Buckeyes young front four has performed extremely well this year. Any injury or nick to the Gators' offensive line will spell trouble for the safety of QB Chris Leak.
MASCOT - EDGE TO THE GATORS
An alligator is a ferocious reptile that thrives in the heat of the peninsula. Gators attack pets and humans with equal disdain when they get too close to lakes and swamps, killing 11 people this decade.
The buckeye is the state tree of Ohio, but is well known for its poisonous nut. Many around the country are familiar with the dessert treat consisting of rolled peanut butter dipped in chocolate that results in a striking resemblance to the nut.
Advantage: carnivore over tasty treat.
COOL STATS (thanks, Phil Steele)
• Ohio State scored 45 more touchdowns than their opponents.
• Ohio State has lost the last six games vs. SEC teams (last win was against LSU in 1988).
• Florida is the most penalized team in the SEC (65 ypg).
• Florida plays more freshman than any top ten team.
• Florida's Urban Meyer is 3-0 ATS as well as straight up in bowl games.
FUN THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The battle of the nations top playmakers - Ted Ginn Jr. and Percy Harvin. Ginn is the one with all the press and expectations, but don't be surprised to see Harvin line up in four different positions to make big plays for the Gators.
How the Buckeyes react to the two-headed QB system of the Gators - They have seen similar things from Bowling Green, Indiana, and Illinois this year, but nothing like the "Leak by air, Tebow by ground" show from Gainesville.
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