personally, i think ohio st takes this by double digits. i tend to be an avid dog player, but dont mind taking a favorite here and there. here are my reasons for taking the bucks (and in no particular order):
1. While I don't necessarily like Tressel, he is an oustanding college coach. While Meyer is no slouch, I think he's a slight drop-off. Just my opinion. Ohio St. always seems to be prepared.
2. The Gators were 0-4 ATS away from home, as well as on grass. On the other hand, the buckeyes were 4-1 ATS on the road, and a covering machine, in general, going 9-3 ATS this year and 20 out of their last 26. The Gators were a dismal 4-8 ATS this year. Stats backing my thought that Florida may not have that "killer instinct," unlike Ohio St. Florida struggled to put teams away all year.
3. I give Ohio St. a distinct adavantage at the QB position. Many may disagree, but i'm not sold on leak, never have been. I don't think he's a great player, but troy smith is (from what i've seen). Further, I'll take one stud QB over that two-headed monster anyday.
4. Florida's kicker is awful. As long as I can remember, Ohio St. kickers make their field goals.
5. Ohio St. still has a better D, IMO. Although Florida has a very good D, Ohio St's is awesome. I may be wrong, but some of their defensive stats probably looked a little less impressive than they really were, considering the fact that many of the Buckeyes games were blow-outs.
6. Luck. It just seems to me that Ohio St. and Tressel teams seem to "catch the bounces." Maybe, just maybe, its a "you create your own luck" type of thing.
In summary, I am very weary of a capable, talented, fast, well-coached underdog catching 7 in a title game, similar to texas last year (whom I took). But in the end, if you want my two cents, I think its State's year. I dont remember too many teams as good as this ballclub. While, on the other hand, florida did not IMPRESS me all year (even though i know they are a stellar team). Ohio St. looks a notch above.
Good luck to everyone, and thanks to everyone for all the valuable information that you have provided me, us, and each other throughout the year. Lets keep it rolling in b-ball. :mj06: