College Football Game Preview: Will Tebow be Ready for LSU

The Gators’ BCS Championship hopes could very well hinge on this game, and that’s not exactly the position you want to be in when your star, Tim Tebow, is still recovering from a debilitating concussion. Tebow has it bad, but it’s the Gators’ betting backers that will have the sympathy headaches as they wait last minute to see if Tebow will suit up for the big SEC showdown against LSU.

The Gators’ hopes aren’t the only concern for Tebow, who could very well see his Heisman candidacy take a huge hit if he fails to suit up for Saturday’s premier matchup. Only Archie Griffin has won the Heisman twice, and winning it in his senior year would only add to the legend of Tebow’s already epic college run.

But that’s the least of the Gators’ fans concerns. They just want to see their version of Jesus back on the field, demolishing line-backers and padding his 170.3 passer rating. And while LSU’s defense used to be quite formidable, they have allowed 321.6 total yards against through four games and 14.8 points against which ranks them 17th in the nation.

Florida has won the BCS Championship twice in the last three seasons. The other one went to LSU, so to say that this game isn’t titanic for both of their futures is an understatement. In Tiger Stadium, LSU has a daunting 32-0 record on Saturday nights…and the winner of this game has gone on to win the BCS Championship for the last three years. If Florida ever needed Tebow more, it’s on Saturday.

Florida Gators (4-0) vs. LSU Tigers (4-0)

Saturday, October 10th — Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge — 8:00pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: Florida -7.5 (45)

Florida has gone undefeated SU and ATS this season, and are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LSU. But backup quarterback John Brantley hasn’t exactly won over the favor of the betting community just yet. Though he’s completed 73.3 percent of his passes in minimal playing time, we haven’t seen enough of him during crucial downs or in big time games.

The question for Tebow isn’t whether he’ll play, because I’ll bank serious money that they put him out there. But Tebow is most effective when he’s a dual-threat inside rusher and quarterback. As a pocket passer (of sorts) last year, he was above average, but certainly didn’t put up the elite numbers we were used to seeing. LSU breeds deadly inside run stuffers, and putting Tebow’s head isn’t a smart idea for the long term.

That’s why I’m willing to give the nod to the Tigers to cover. The Gators will play predictable and conservatively against the Tigers defense, which allows just 116.8 yards on the ground. Bet on this game to go in the UNDER as Tebow stays in the pocket, is forced to throw it away, and LSU continually takes chip shots at the scoreboard to keep it tight.

Furious Free Pick: LSU +7.5 (UNDER)