Sports

Swamp tilt’s all a-Gators

Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at Phil.Steele.com.

FLORIDA (-24) over Kentucky

How many teams can go on the road in the SEC in consecutive weeks and win back-to-back games in front of riled up ESPN Gameday crowds. While the Gators are sizeable favorites, there’s still great value with them: The NCAA ranks them No. 64 on offense and No. 37 on defense, but I have them ranked No. 16 and No. 3, respectively, making them one of four teams with both units in the top 20. Demoralizing loss for Kentucky last week to Western Kentucky carries over in this week’s blowout.

OKLAHOMA (-14) over Kansas St.

Huge situation edge to Oklahoma (AP No. 6), having only this game to concentrate on in a three-week span while Kansas State (AP No. 15) is playing its fourth straight week and making its first road start. The Wildcats were outgained by 70 yards per game on the road last year.

Last year, Oklahoma was ranked No. 11 and laying 13 1/2 points at No. 10 Kansas State — and won 58-17. This year, the Sooners are ranked higher and are at home laying basically the same number. The Sooner Schooner will take a victory lap.

Last week: 2-0; Season: 3-3