Last week the Florida Gators were in a severe letdown spot in their SEC opener against the Kentucky Wildcats. Florida was coming off an epic opening night win over the Utah Utes. Head coach Billy Napier won his first College Football odds game in front of a national prime time ESPN audience and sellout crowd. Indeed, it was the highest of highs. But it created a dangerous challenge against a capable and tough Kentucky Wildcats program. And Kentucky proved to be the tougher team while Florida looked drained and flat.
USF Bulls vs. Florida Gators NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 17, 2022, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida |
| TV Coverage: | SEC Network |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USF | +24½ (-110) | 59 (-110) | +1400 |  |
| Florida Gators | -24½ (-110) | 59 (-110) | -2500 | |
| ||||
USF at Florida SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, we have a strong SEC online betting brand in Florida against a weak one in USF. Gamblers are not inclined to step into the Gators at the Swamp with such a weak opponent. Oddsmakers are aware of this public perception and will include an upcharge on Florida.
Concurrently, it seems like Florida is getting a break on the schedule. The USF Bulls continue to flounder under head coach Jeff Scott. Now in his third season, Scott is yet to crack the code. USF was once a program that ranked as one of the best in the American Athletic Conference.
USF Bulls Team Overview
Last game, the USF Bulls scored a 42-20 win against the FCS Howard Bison as 39.5-point home favorites. USF has a record of 1-1 straight up, 0-2 against the spread, and 2-0 over/under the total.
Namely, Brian Battie ran for 105 yards and had one of South Florida’s six rushing touchdowns. Michel Dukes and Jaren Mangham had two touchdowns. While K’Wan Powell scored one. Battie’s touchdown was a 60-yard run. Gerry Robinson completed 17 of 28 passes for 219 yards.
Florida Gators Team Overview
Last Saturday night, the Florida Gators suffered a 26-16 loss against the Kentucky Wildcats as 6-point home favorites. Florida has a record of 1-1 straight up, 1-1 against the spread, and 1-1 over/under the total.
Much of the hype surrounding Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson was diminished by the Wildcats. No. 20 Kentucky intercepted Richardson twice. Including one that Keidron Smith returned 65 yards for a touchdown. And then UK toppled the 12th-ranked Gators to notch consecutive wins in the series for the first time in 45 years.
Consider that Richardson was off all game. A stark contrast from last week’s three-touchdown, turnover-free performance against Utah. Richardson’s interceptions were among three big plays that propelled Kentucky to back-to-back wins over Florida for the first time since 1976-77.
Kentucky stacked the line of scrimmage and forced Richardson to be a pocket passer. Correlate Kentucky clearly understood that the Gators have few difference-makers outside their quarterback. The Gainesville native completed 14 of 35 passes for 143 yards. Also, he ran six times for 4 yards. Kentucky QB Will Levis connected with Dane Key for a 55-yard score in the first half. Accordingly, it was a perfect throw that showed why Levis is projected to be a first-round draft pick in 2023. He completed 13 of 24 passes for 202 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. But it was Kentucky’s defense that stole the show.
USF at Florida SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Florida is a probable overlay with the College Football odds. USF will study that Kentucky defense game tape and strive to replicate it.
USF at Florida SBG Best Bet: USF Bulls.