Undefeated but Only Half as Dominant?

By: John Schroeder
Updated: November 4th, 2009

ATLANTA – Last year the Florida Gators turned an early season letdown against Mississippi into a catalyst for dominating college football. As October turned into November, the 2008 Gators were crushing SEC opponents by an average of 30 points per game including 51-21 over LSU, 63-5 against Kentucky and 49-10 over Georgia.

While the 2009 Gators have managed to stay undefeated, they have looked more beatable than unstoppable. Statistically, Florida’s slip in dominance is reflected by an SEC margin of victory which has dropped by 50% from 30 points per game in 2008 to 15 points per game in 2009.

Because of the Gators inability to put away opponents, they have been passed by Texas in the Vegas Spread Index as the #1 team favored by odds makers. Texas boasts a 20-point margin of victory in the Big XII including back-to-back 41-7 and 41-14 wins over Missouri and Oklahoma State.

This week both Florida and Texas are 35+ point favorites at home. Look for the Longhorns to continue to roll while the Gators look more two thousand and late than 2008.

The Six Claims to #1:

• Favorite of Vegas: Texas – a 36 point favorite against Central Florida this week
• Quality Wins: Texas - wins over Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Mizzou and Texas Tech
• Style Points: Texas – averaging a 28-point margin of victory against Div. 1-A opponents
• Hottest Right Now: Texas – followed up Red River Rivalry with two blowout Big XII wins
• Road Warrior: Southern Cal. – road wins at Ohio State and California
• Best Undefeated: Texas – unbeaten in the Big XII South gauntlet