WildcatRick
09-23-2006, 01:17 AM
The Florida Gators (http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/ncf/teams/team69.html) proved to the country last weekend that they could very well be the best team in the nation’s best conference.
Analysts and fans alike have responded by spouting all sorts of reasons why bettors should flee the Gators when the Kentucky Wildcats (http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/ncf/teams/team122.html) invade the Swamp this Saturday.
With commentary provided by Sportsmemo.com’s Rob Veno, we weigh the merits of some of the most popular reasons to fade the Gators.
In order of viability, starting with the least important and proceeding to the most valid:
5. Marcus Thomas
Thomas is the stud on the Gators’ defensive line, but won’t suit up against Kentucky due to an indefinite suspension for a second positive drug test.
Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post ranks Thomas behind only Chris Leak (http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/ncf/players/player3082.html) in the list of Florida’s most irreplaceable players due to his ability to occupy blockers and collapse the pocket.
Veno doesn’t deny that Thomas is a great defensive lineman, but thinks his absence will be felt more sharply further down the road.
“His loss would be hugely important if the other side has a dominant offensive line or if the other side has a dominant ground game,” says the professional handicapper.
“Kentucky has neither.”
http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=91233&tid=30
Analysts and fans alike have responded by spouting all sorts of reasons why bettors should flee the Gators when the Kentucky Wildcats (http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/ncf/teams/team122.html) invade the Swamp this Saturday.
With commentary provided by Sportsmemo.com’s Rob Veno, we weigh the merits of some of the most popular reasons to fade the Gators.
In order of viability, starting with the least important and proceeding to the most valid:
5. Marcus Thomas
Thomas is the stud on the Gators’ defensive line, but won’t suit up against Kentucky due to an indefinite suspension for a second positive drug test.
Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post ranks Thomas behind only Chris Leak (http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/ncf/players/player3082.html) in the list of Florida’s most irreplaceable players due to his ability to occupy blockers and collapse the pocket.
Veno doesn’t deny that Thomas is a great defensive lineman, but thinks his absence will be felt more sharply further down the road.
“His loss would be hugely important if the other side has a dominant offensive line or if the other side has a dominant ground game,” says the professional handicapper.
“Kentucky has neither.”
http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=91233&tid=30
