NCAA Football
2012-09-08 - Florida Gators at Texas A&M Aggies
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: College Football
Saturday 8 September 2012 - Kick Off 3:30pm ET
8:30pm (British Time)
Preview
The Texas A&M Aggies have moved into the SEC this season and they haven't had a game under their belt before facing the Florida Gators (1-0) with College GameDay at College Station for the big game. The Aggies are expected to be in the bottom half of the SEC West, while Florida are projected to finish in the top half of the SEC East although neither are expected to win their respective Divisions.
Texas didn't play last weekend as their game with Louisiana Tech was called off due to Hurricane Isaac making shore and that means any kinks will have to be worked out in this game, a tough opener to say the least.
It's made all the tougher by the fact that the Aggies have a new Head Coach this season and have lost Ryan Tannehill from the Quarter Back position as he was a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft. Johnny Manziel will take over as Quarter Back but he is making his first start at College level but he does have some receiving options here.
The Aggies have also lost their top rushing threat from a season ago in Cyrus Gray and all this does not point too well for them against the Gators who could be one of the toughest Defenses not just in the SEC, but the nation as a whole.
There will be a real battle at the line of scrimmage between the Aggies Offensive Line and the Florida Defensive Line and that could determine how much success Texas have Offensively as they learn a new system.
Florida did struggle Offensively last week against Bowling Green, but that game may just do them some favours coming into this week. Jeff Driskel will be able to have a little more success against this Aggies Defense that has struggled against the pass last season, while the likes of Mike Gillislee should be able to pick up from where he left off last week behind this Offensive Line.
Head to Head
These two schools haven't met one another since 1976.
Other Interesting Trends
Texas are 3-9 against the spread in their last 12 games overall.
They are 0-7-1 against the spread in their last 8 games in Conference play.
Florida are 1-9 against the spread in their last 10 games overall.
They have lost their last 6 Conference games against the spread.
Prediction
I am going to back the underdog Florida Gators to win this game for the following reasons:
First, I think the Gators are much more experienced and could take advantage of the Aggies that are yet to play a game this season and will not be used to SEC games.
Second, the Aggies are also learning new systems both Offensively and Defensively and there have to be some teething issues in this one.
Third, I believe Florida are the better team in the key areas and that should be enough to take the crowd out of the game and earn a big road win here.
The Pick :
Texas A&M Aggies 17-20 Florida Gators
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Florida Gators @ 2.00
