For what could be the final time, a Big East team will be playing for BCS bowl game. Louisville, the champion of the quickly dissolving conference, faces its stiffest test of the season in the Sugar Bowl against Florida.
2013 NFL Draft watch notes: Allstate Sugar Bowl, Louisville vs. Florida
Breaking down the NFL draft prospects in Wednesday night’s game between Louisville and Florida.
Andy Lyons
Florida came up short of the SEC title game but managed to sneak into the BCS picture. Each team boasts quality NFL prospects, but the talent advantage clearly sways towards the Gators’ sideline.
Allstate Sugar Bowl, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Louisville vs. Florida
When Florida has the football
The Gators have been an inconsistent team on offense all season long. Running back Mike Gillislee is the biggest playmaker for Florida's offense. He has been outstanding so far this season, showing outstanding burst and solid vision in the running back. Florida tight end Jordan Reed is also an intriguing prospect. He is an excellent athlete with solid size. Some NFL team will find an interesting way to utilize his skill set.
For the Cardinals, cornerback Adrian Bushell is the best prospect on defense. The former Gator will get a chance to cap off what has already been a great season against his old team. He should come off the board in the second round.
When Louisville has the football
Louisville's offense runs through sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has burst onto the scene in his second season as a starter. He should be the favorite to be the first quarterback off the board in the 2014 NFL Draft. As for prospects eligible for the 2013 draft, center Mario Benavides is worth keeping an eye on as he looks to pick up momentum in a relatively weak center class.
Florida's defense is flat out dominant and loaded with NFL talent. The Gators have a big time prospect on each level of the defense. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd is a disruptive force on the inside who has a chance to come off the board early on the draft's second day. Playing next to him is Omar Hunter, who could be one of the best nose tackles in this class. Linebacker Lerentee McCray could also be a day two pick after showing some balance in his game this season. He plays alongside Jonathan Bostic, who is one of the draft's best inside linebacker prospects. Many like safety Matt Elam as well, but he tends to find himself out of positon a bit too often.
See More:
