A Southern Classic 50 Years in the making
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Michigan #7 (10-2) and Florida #10 (9-3) will face each other in Atlanta on December 29th in a big 6 Bowl game. These are two schools that are developing a deep southern tradition with each other. Last year, Michigan opened the season by beating Florida in Dallas to open the season. The game was one of several losses that ended up with then Florida head coach Jim McElwain losing his job, only to head north to Ann Arbor to be the Wide Receivers coach in 2018.
On January 1st 2016 the Wolverines won 41-7 in Orlando, in 2008 the Wolverines won 41-35 in Orlando, and 2003 the Wolverines won 38-30 in Tampa. The Wolverines hold a commanding 4-0 series lead against the Gators. This time its different though. This will be the first meeting in the state of Georgia for the two teams, both likely eager to recruit in the fertile HS football grounds. This will be the first time since 2010 that a team North of the Mason-Dixon line will play in the game.
Florida is a coming off an improved SEC season that saw its squad go 2-2 against ranked teams. They had wins over LSU and Mississippi St. and losses against Kentucky and Georgia. Michigan is limping into the game without Rashan Gary and likely Devin Bush who will sit out as top 10 NFL draft picks. They lost to Ohio State for the 15 time in 16 tries against Ohio State. Both schools will look to this game to cement recruits and gain momentum heading into 2019.
This game over the years has held a special spot in the hearts of the Carolinas. First and foremost, its the closest major bowl game to the Carolinas. When Chick-Fil-A picked up sponsorship of the game it became the quintessential bowl game in the South in the heart, minds, and stomachs of all. For many years its pitted a school from the ACC against the SEC. Since those games (1983-2013) the game has continued to brand itself by as a classic southern bowl game, and one that America looks forward to each year.
The early Vegas line has Michigan as a 7.5 point favorite against the Florida Gators. Expect that line to tighten up as the game gets closer and more key players may choose to sit out the game in an increasing trend in college football. This is clearly a classic match up of two football powerhouse peninsulas, and will be another instant Peach Bowl Classic.
