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The Florida Gators had a line of -22 at most online sportsbooks heading into their Saturday game against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
What should one consider before placing a bet on this game?
The dangers of betting on Florida are explained by Olin Buchanan, Rivals.com College Football Senior Writer
Steve Spurrier led Florida to its first national championship, and his team almost denied the Gators their second.
Two years ago, Spurrier-led South Carolina were on the verge of upsetting Florida until defensive end Jarvis Moss blocked a last-second field-goal attempt, allowing the Gators to escape with a 17-16 victory.
A loss would have eliminated Florida from national championship contention. Instead, the Gators went on to win the crown.
"If I have a vote I think that's the greatest play in the history of Florida football," Florida coach Urban Meyer said of Moss' block. "It was certainly a monumental moment in my life and our program's life. That is one of the finest plays that I have ever been a part of."
Florida (8-1) is in a similar position this season. Once again, a loss would eliminate Florida from the national championship picture. And once again, a solid South Carolina team (7-3) coached by Spurrier is coming to Gainesville.
If past history is any indication, Florida should have no trouble winning here. They have won 9 of the last 10 in this series. Only on 3 occasions have they won by more than the current spread, however.
This line opened at -23 and hasn't moved much since.
Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
