Florida Gators @ Penn State Nittany Lions Outback Bowl Prediction

Florida Gators @ Penn State Nittany Lions Outback Bowl Prediction: I just don’t believe in the Nittany Lions. The Gators don’t make me real comfortable – something about losing 5 of their last 8 games, the fact that they didn’t beat any top-division team with a winning record since Week 2 makes me a little uneasy, definitely. (Yeah, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee – all no better than .500). But I’ve seen the Gators play well at times this year, and the threat of Penn State isn’t something that I’m too worried about. I don’t think the spread has much value, but it’s Gators or nothing for me.

Penn State played decent football down the stretch after starting poorly. They were 4-2 in their last 6 games with wins over Northwestern and Michigan among others. They really haven’t beaten a good team yet this year, however, at least not a Top 25 team. Florida isn’t Top 25, but talent-wise they can compete with anyone. It’s that athletic discrepancy that gets me picking Florida.

Florida finally found a running game down the stretch, something to lean on for them – and I think that will help a lot here. Plus, I have to bet on the side of passion and purpose, because I know the Florida Gators love their coach, and this being his last game I know they will come out with a plan to do anything possible to send him out a winner. Passion and purpose is worth 7 points in my book.

Florida Gators (-7) @ Penn State Nittany Lions