BCS National Championship Betting: Florida Gators v Oklahoma Sooners

NFL / Nick Shiambouros / 06 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

It's the Superbowl of College Football, a sizzling slice of Americana and, despite the complex system used to determine the finalists, Thursday's BCS National Championship game will be contested by the two best school football teams in America, says Nick Shiambouros. So where should you put your money?

The Florida Gators take on the Oklahoma Sooners in Miami on Thursday night to determine which team will be the national champions of college football. This is truly the Superbowl of college football and a lot more important in parts of America.

The two top ranked teams are determined by a poll of media, coaches and computer rankings - a complex process which has received plenty of criticism over the years. Six major conferences participate in this system and many have argued that a playoff system should be implemented as opposed to the series of Bowl games that take place now. President elect Obama has said that he would throw his weight around to get a playoff situation implemented.

However, the two best teams will fight out the championship game. The Gators , led by 2008 Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow, are the current favourites at [1.66] but the Sooners have the 2009 Heisman winner in Sam Bradford and are trading at [2.56]. The prestigious Heisman trophy is awarded to the most outstanding college football player in America.

Both these young quarterbacks are extremely talented and both teams come in to this game with a record of 12-1. Oklahoma lost a high scoring game 45-35 to the Texas Longhorns and Florida's only loss came at the hands of Mississippi in late September.

The Florida Gators are on a nine game winning streak and are averaging just over 49 points per game. The Sooners are also a high scoring team and have scored over 60 points in their last five games.

Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford utilises receiver Juaquin Inglesias and tight end Jermaine Gresham as his main go to guys. In addition this team has one of the best offensive lines in the game to give Bradford plenty of time to decide.

At times Oklahoma has struggled on the defensive side of the ball but they have put up huge numbers to negate this weakness.

On the Florida side Tim Tebow has racked up 2.500 plus yards of passing and gets plenty of help from Percy Harvin. The Gator's definitely have the edge in the speed department and Oklahoma will have their hands full trying to contain Tebow and co.

Overall, I am going to give the edge to the Gators as I think Oklahoma could be prone to give up the big play defensively against Tebow.

Tim Tebow is already a superstar and even if he never throws a ball professionally he will go down as one of the best quarterbacks in college history. It is rare to see someone as young and determined as this player. Anything less that a victory on Thursday night will just not do.

In my opinion the BCS championship game carries equal status to the Superbowl. Having had the pleasure of attending both events I can say there is nothing like a championship game between the two top schools in the country.

The atmosphere is electric and the school bands add colour and tradition to college football. It's a huge day for the parents and students and as always a great time is had by all.

Recommendations: Florida - 1.66 Win and -3.5 points Win