Florida vs. Michigan: 10 bold predictions for Peach Bowl showdown

Florida is playing in the Peach Bowl against Michigan. The game is taking place in Atlanta, home to the largest out-of-state alumni base for the University of Florida. Florida is celebrating a successful first season under Dan Mullen. Michigan is still reeling after a crushing defeat to rival Ohio State. Three of Michigan's stars are sitting out the game to protect their draft stock. All of the potential early entrants, including Jachai Polite and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, have chosen to play.

Michigan will play Florida, which is ranked 27th in total defense. Michigan will try to run the ball well against the Gators. Christian Turner, who grew up in Atlanta, will provide a spark. Florida has struggled to stop the run at times this season. Michigan gutted the Florida for 215 yards in Texas to open the 2017 season and they'll have some success against a run defense that ranks 73rd nationally.

Shea Patterson has done a good job of protecting the football this season. Florida will be the best pass defense Patterson's faced since the Notre Dame game. Michigan will try to avoid All-SEC corner CJ Henderson. Trey Dean will likely work on freshman TreyDean. Dean was the most impressive player on Florida's defense in bowl practices.

Michigan finished 27th in sacks allowed this season. Florida finished second in the country in sack rate. Jabari Zuniga will play right tackle for Michigan in place of the injured Juwann Bushell-Beatty.

The Gators have been notoriously slow starters this season. Florida last scored a first-quarter touchdown against a Power 5 opponent in September.

Florida has been outscored 48-6 by Power 5 opponents in the first quarter since its win at Mississippi State. Florida is playing confident football and should score a touchdown early.

Donovan Peoples-Jones chose Michigan over Florida in his recruitment. He has shown flashes of the big-play receiver he projected to be this year. Peoples Jones led the Wolverines in receptions against Ohio State with 7.

Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett will rush for 150 yards in the Peach Bowl. Michigan's defense ranked No. 1 in total defense and No 5 in S&P+ defense. Florida's front line will open holes for Pere and Scarlett. Michigan hasn't faced as good a one-two punch at running back this season as Florida has in Perce and Scarlet.

Grimes finished the regular season strong with a 100-yard receiving performance in Florida’s win over FSU. Grimes has NFL prototype size and elite speed. Florida will look to get Grimes isolated on Michigan corner Brandon Watson. Watson struggled against fast and physical receivers in the Ohio State game.

Gary and Bush will miss a third of Michigan's sack production. Florida has been excellent at protecting the quarterback this season. The Gators will look to stretch the defense early.

Florida and Michigan are playing in the Peach Bowl on December 9th. Florida's defense is great at forcing field goals. Michigan's offense is playing without running back Karimah Higdon.

Franks has struggled to play well against elite defenses. He was benched in the loss to Missouri and came to life in South Carolina. Michigan will be the most complete and talented defense he has faced since the Georgia game. Franks' play decides the Peach Bowl.