Florida vs. UMass Prediction, Game Preview


Florida vs. UMass prediction and game preview for the opening weekend matchup between the Gators and Minutemen.


Florida vs. UMass Game Preview

Broadcast Info

Date: Saturday, September 3

Kickoff:
7:30 p.m. ET

Venue:
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

Television:
SEC Network

Main Florida vs. UMass Storyline

Florida outperformed expectations last season, winning the SEC East behind a nasty defense that shouldered the load for an inconsistent offense. The Minutemen were bad in 2015, going 3-9 and leaving the Mid-American Conference to become an independent.

The Gators are relying on the combination of quarterback Jake Del Rio and wide receiver Antonio Callaway to put a little fear into defenses when it comes to offense. Florida finished No. 112 in the nation in tota; offenses last season, so any improvement will be welcomed. With just three starters returning for UMass, this might be a good way to start the season for McElwain’s squad. Up front, Sha-Ki Holines is a fearsome pass rusher that will have his eye on Del Rio.

Despite losing a few key players such as Vernon Hargreaves III and Jonathan Bullard, the Gators defense should be just as solid as last season, especially with Jalen Tabor leading the secondary. If CeCe Jefferson can provide pressure up front, this unit will be a force. The Minutemen will look to be more balanced this season on offense, with running back Marquis Young having the ability to be the guy in the backfield.

Here’s a look at some of the statistics as we head into the season opener.

Statistics reflect the 2015 college football season.

Florida Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 207.1 ypg (No. 86 in the nation)

Rushing Offense:
126.93 ypg (No. 113 in the nation)

Total Offense:
334.0 ypg (No. 112 in the nation)

Scoring Offense:
23.2 ppg (No. 100 in the nation)

UMass Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 257.5 ypg (No. 37 in the nation)

Rushing Offense:
142.25 ypg (No. 103 in the nation)

Total Offense:
399.8 ypg (No. 65 in the nation)

Scoring Offense:
22.2 ppg (No. 108 in the nation)

Florida Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 182.1 ypg (No. 13 in the nation)

Rushing Defense:
128.07 ypg (No. 25 in the nation)

Total Defense:
310.2 ypg (No. 8 in the nation)

Scoring Defense:
18.3 ppg (No. 11 in the nation)

Turnover Margin:
0.57 tpg (No. 27 in the nation)

UMass Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 254.9 ypg (No. 98 in the nation)

Rushing Defense:
192.92 ypg (No. 94 in the nation)

Total Defense:
447.8 ypg (No. 104 in the nation)

Scoring Defense:
31.4 ppg (No. 92 in the nation)

Turnover Margin:
-0.08 tpg (No. 75 in the nation)

Florida vs. UMass Betting Odds

Spread: Florida -35.5

Over/Under:
48.5

Florida vs. UMass Prediction

This is the perfect chance to let Del Rio show what he can do to lead this offense down the field and into the end zone. Sure, he will have jitters at the beginning, but the defense will help him out and eventually he will show the Gators’ faithful that he is the man. Florida wins big.

Final Score Prediction For Florida vs. UMass: Florida 45, UMass 13


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