Florida football: Three more big Gator games have opening lines

Florida football has very tempered expectations for this season. In Napier’s second year, there aren’t many people who think the Gators are going to win a ton of games.

Compound a rebuilding roster with a tough schedule, and we’ll see the Gators as underdogs in a lot of the games they play this fall.

We’ve known the line for their opening game against Utah (+8.5) for a while now, but three more big games have had their opening lines released.

Here’s what ESPN thinks of Florida’s matchups with Tennessee, LSU, and FSU.

Florida football: Not a lot of respect

As I said, there isn’t a lot of excitement around this season in The Swamp. They aren’t expected to win too much and don’t match up very well against some of the great teams they’ll play.

Here are the opening lines for Florida vs Tennessee, LSU, and FSU.

Tennessee (-6.5) @ Florida

After losing in Knoxville last year, the Gators are looking for revenge on their home field. The issue is that Tennessee has Joe Milton under center, whose arm has been marveled at for months, and a better group of skill players than the Gators.

This spread seems pretty fair for the time being, although I wouldn’t have been shocked to see it closer to 5.5 either.

Homefield gives the Gators a few points here, but Tennessee’s firepower gives them the edge for now.

Florida @ LSU (-16)

This one is by far the biggest spread for the Gators that’s currently released. The UGA spread will likely be a few points higher.

Going to Death Valley against a team that is trending upwards and won in Gainesville last year doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for optimism toward the Gators’ chances.

Hopefully, Florida can keep this one within two scores. But like the Tennesse, spread, this number isn’t too surprising.

FSU (-7.5) @ Florida

Is this my bias talking? Maybe. But this spread should not be above a touchdown.

It’s absolutely right that FSU is favored, and there’s no reason for the number to be less than 6. But given last year’s game and the home-field advantage Florida will have, 6 or 6.5 seems more appropriate, and we could very well see it move there. There are still months before this game is played.

These games are always close, and with the underdog being the home team, it will be even closer. Expect this one to drop a point or two.