Oklahoma vs. Florida: Cotton Bowl Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Cotton Bowl in our Oklahoma vs. Florida preview and prediction.
Game Info
7:00 p.m. Central Time, Wednesday December 30th, 2020, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
TV: ESPN
Oklahoma Radio: Sooner Sports Network (Chris Plank), Get better soon Toby!
Spread: Oklahoma (-3)
Fun Fact: The Sooners are looking for their first bowl win since the 2017 Sugar Bowl when they beat Auburn 35-19.
Key Players
Florida
QB Kyle Trask
What a year Kyle Trask has had. Not only was he named a Heisman finalist, but he led his team to an SEC title appearance after winning the eastern division. Kyle has thrown for over 4,000 yards while tossing 43 touchdowns to just five interceptions. Not only that but the guy has completed nearly 70% of his passes as well. Whether he wins the Heisman remains to be seen but Florida would not be where they are today without him. And they will need him to play at an extremely high level as several key pieces are sitting out for the Gators.
LB Mohamoud Diabate
Much like the offense, Florida has serval starters not playing on defense due to the NFL draft or transferring. However, Mohamoud is a young stud linebacker for the Gators who has a bright future ahead of him. He was second on the team in tackles and will be a force not only in this game but next season for Florida.
Oklahoma
QB Spencer Rattler
Who else deserves this spot? Spencer was my first team All-Big 12 selection for the quarterback spot, and he earned it throwing 25 touchdowns on just seven interceptions as a freshman. Just like the other quarterback in this game, Spencer not only has a cannon, but he is accurate with the football. Mark my words, this young man will be a Heisman finalist sooner rather than later.
DE Ronnie Perkins
Despite only playing a few games, Ronnie Perkins is a force to be reckoned with. He is dangerous off the edge and there are very few offensive linemen that can handle him one on one. Florida will need to know where Ronnie is at all times because he is a handful to try and slow down.
General Thoughts
Oklahoma should not have a whole lot of trouble doing what they want offensively. Florida has a middle of the road SEC defense and with Lincoln Riley given some time to prepare, I believe the Sooners want to make a statement against a good SEC opponent. Whether it is the ground game with Rhamondre Stevenson or the arm of Spencer Rattler, the Sooners should score at least 30 on this defense.
Meanwhile Oklahoma good some good news defensively. The Gators are without superstar tight end Kyle Pitts along with their top three receivers. As good as quarterback Kyle Trask is, his options will be limited, and that Oklahoma defensive line should be able to control the game. Florida is a good team but with so many players out, the Sooners should take care of business in Jerry World.
Prediction
Oklahoma: 35, Florida: 24
Let’s not forget about the little extra bulletin board material Oklahoma has following last week’s comments by a Florida player. Plus, the SEC teams who don’t make the CFB Playoff seem to mail it in too much, and know that the media will cover for them, in saying, “They’re the SEC!” Lincoln Riley’s young team grew a ton as the season progressed and we will see that growth culminate at Jerry World on Wednesday night.
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