Florida 6.5-Point Home Favorites vs. Oklahoma
For the first time in three weeks, Vegas is picking the Gators to win this weekend’s SEC matchup.
The Florida Gators are 6.5-point favorites against the Oklahoma Sooners heading into Saturday’s game in the Swamp, according to Hard Rock Bet.
Both teams enter the game following losses. Florida (5-3, 3-3 SEC) fell to Georgia 27-8 in Atlanta as 11.5-point underdogs. Oklahoma (4-4, 2-3 SEC) lost 42-25 to South Carolina at home as 2.5-point favorites.
The biggest statistical difference between the teams comes on offense. Florida ranks fifth in the SEC in total offense, averaging 425.3 yards per game. Oklahoma ranks 15th at 336.9 yards. The Gators average 249.3 passing yards and 176.8 rushing yards per game, compared with Oklahoma’s 230.1 passing yards and 106.8 rushing yards.
However, Florida’s offense struggled against Georgia, producing just 252 total yards and 54 rushing yards on 28 carries. Oklahoma’s offensive struggles have been more consistent, particularly on the ground.
The Sooners make up for some of that production with a stronger defense. Oklahoma ranks fifth in the SEC in total defense, allowing 304.6 yards per game, while Florida ranks 13th at 369.3. Oklahoma also allows just 20.8 points per game compared with Florida’s 28.1.
Florida’s quarterback situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Aaron Philo reclaimed the starting role against Georgia after Tramell Jones Jr. led the Gators to an upset over then-No. 7 Texas in his first career start. Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns against the Longhorns.
Philo struggled against Georgia, completing 5 of 7 passes for 26 yards and throwing two interceptions before being benched. Jones finished the game with 172 passing yards, an interception and two fumbles, including one lost.
Coach Jon Sumrall acknowledged neither quarterback performed well enough after the loss.
“I don’t know that either one of them independently played good enough for us to win the game,” Sumrall said.
Sumrall has not announced a starter for Saturday, tweaking his depth chart Monday by putting “or” between Philo and Jones.
Florida and Georgia have split their two previous meetings. Oklahoma won the most recent matchup 55-20 in the 2020 Cotton Bowl, while Florida won 24-14 in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game.
The spread favors Florida because of its stronger offense, home-field advantage and Oklahoma’s struggles moving the ball. However, the Sooners’ defensive production and Florida’s unresolved quarterback situation could keep the game closer than the odds suggest.
For the Gators to cover, they will need to establish their rushing attack, limit turnovers and find consistency at quarterback. If Florida can return to its early-season offensive form, the Gators have an opportunity to justify the 6.5-point spread.
Coverage Saturday begins at 4:45 p.m. on WRUF 98.1-FM/850-AM/103.7 HD2 and at 7:45 p.m. on the SEC Network.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Football, Sports Betting
