Ohio State vs. Florida: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for Gator Bowl

The Ohio State Buckeyes (6-6) will face off with the Florida Gators (6-6) in this season's Gator Bowl. It's a matchup between two marquee programs who endured rebuilding seasons in 2011 and will be looking to end on a positive note.

Ohio State had some solid performances during the season, most notably wins over Illinois and Wisconsin, but like all young teams suffered through growing pains as well. The Gator Bowl should provide them with some valuable experience moving forward.

Even though there weren't any overly impressive wins for the Gators, they didn't suffer any bad losses either. It was the type of middling season you would expect from a team that's still attempting to retool in hopes of becoming an SEC power once again.

Where: EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

When: Monday, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2

Listen: WBNS 97.1 FM (Ohio State) or WFXJ 930 AM (Florida)

Betting Line: Florida -2

Key Storyline: Urban Meyer

Counting how many times the announcing team says Urban Meyer's name might actually turn out to be more entertaining than the game itself. His agreement to join Ohio State will give his players some extra motivation heading into this game as they attempt to impress the new head coach.

Then there's the revenge factor for the Gators. The program watched their beloved coach walk away for health and family reasons only to sign with the Buckeyes a year later. That certainly can't sit well with the faithful fans in Gainesville.

Who Might Not Play for Ohio State: WR Corey Brown

Buckeyes wide receiver Cory Brown is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, according to USA Today. The sophomore tied for the team lead in catches with 14. It's a low number because Ohio State averaged less than 20 pass attempts per game and 15 different players caught a pass.

Who Might Not Play for Florida: WR Deonte Thompson

Gators wideout Deonte Thompson was suffering from an illness that forced him to miss practice on Tuesday. He returned on Wednesday, based on a report from Scott Carter, and should be good to go barring any setbacks. He caught 19 passes for Florida this season.

What They're Saying

Sanctions against Ohio State will prevent the team from playing in a bowl game next season. Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch talked with some of the team's juniors, including Reid Fragel, about the feelings heading into their final postseason game as a Buckeye:

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“Obviously, the future is something we’re going to deal with later,” junior tight end Reid Fragel said. “Right now, we’re focused on finishing this season on a winning note. Obviously, we’d like to go out with a winning record.”

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Current Florida head coach Will Muschamp has tried to deflect all questions about Urban Meyer, and when pressed to answer, he's continued to take the high road (via Yahoo! Sports):

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Urban did a great job at the University of Florida. I’m very appreciative of what he’s done. We’ve moved on. We’re looking forward to playing in the game.

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Ohio State Player To Watch: QB Braxton Miller

In an otherwise nondescript season for the Buckeyes, Miller was one of the lone bright spots. The dual-threat freshman threw for nearly 1,000 yards and ran for almost 700 more while totaling 18 touchdowns. He should excel once Urban Meyer and his staff implement their system during the offseason.

Florida Player To Watch: RB Chris Rainey

There are few players more dangerous in open space than Rainey. Unfortunately for the Gators, they weren't able to use his game-changing talents enough this season, as teams made a concerted effort to keep him in check. If Ohio State loses track of him even once, watch out.

Key Matchup: Drew Basil vs. Caleb Sturgis

Kickers? Yes, kickers. This game has the feeling of one that will come down to the final minutes and maybe even overtime before it's decided. So, whichever kicker can step up in a big moment to split the uprights could become the most popular man in his locker room.

Prediction

Florida 20, Ohio State 17