Michigan Football: 5 predictions for the Wolverines against Florida

Final prediction

Bowl games are always hard to predict and this one was no different. On paper, Michigan is the better team. That’s a harder case to make without Bush and Gary, but this program is just farther along than Florida right now.

Proving it though could be another thing. Make no mistake, the Gators have talent. Franks is much better than when he faced Michigan as a freshman and the Gators have two very good running backs in Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett, who each has over 700 yards rushing and average 5.9 a rush.

Michigan Wolverines

The passing game isn’t as frightening with Van Jefferson and Trevon Grimes, as the two pass catchers both finished with fewer than 500 yards receiving. The defense is good though and if the Gators can hit Patterson and force him into some mistakes while protecting the ball on its own end, Florida can win this game.

Hopefully, we don’t get the ugly defensive battle we got in 2017, however, that seems like the kind of game Florida wants. Unfortunately, for them, Michigan football is great in that kind of game. However, if the Wolverines are going to win, Shea Patterson needs to be given the chance to shine.

Running the ball will still be important, don’t get me wrong, but in losses to Notre Dame and Ohio State, Michigan started slow and Patterson struggled. If that happens again, the Wolverines will lose. However, I have a really good feeling about Shea this week and that’s why I am picking Michigan to win.

Even though the fans might not be pumped about this game, Harbaugh seems to have this team motivated. The chip is back on the shoulder and Florida is going to bear the brunt of Michigan’s frustration for the loss to Ohio State.

It will be close, competitive and hard-hitting, but in the end, Michigan wins 27-16.