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Florida Tech Panthers No More

By  //  June 29, 2020

COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on the sports world. The Florida Tech Panthers no longer exist. Due to the uncertainties surrounding a prolonged pandemic, the University chose to cut the football program along with the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts and a handful of non-tenured staff positions.

COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on the sports world. The Florida Tech Panthers no longer exist. Due to the uncertainties surrounding a prolonged pandemic, the University chose to cut the football program along with the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts and a handful of non-tenured staff positions. 

It’s a shame that for the time being, the Florida Institute of Technology will no longer have a football program, at least for the time being.

But, on the flip-side of the coin, the program only came into existence in 2011. So, it had just eight years of ‘life’. So, it isn’t like a storied program like the University of Miami shutting down, which had its first season nearly 100 years ago back in 1926. Or the Gators, who started out back in 1906. 

Still, it’s a bummer. 

Football is fun. It gives the student body something to be proud of other than academic achievements. It’s also a release. Games on Friday and Saturday are a lot of fun. You get to go sit in the stands with your friends and scream for your team; it’s cathartic. 

Well, there’s no more Florida Tech Panthers football, So let look at the top Florida teams and their odds for winning their respective conference and division.

Florida Gators | SEC East

Many think the Gators will chew their way through the East and death-roll their way into an SEC title game this year.

Many think the Gators will chew their way through the East and death-roll their way into an SEC title game this year.

But the SEC is never easy. It’s a powerhouse of a conference with some of the toughest football teams in the NCAA. The Crimson Tide has the best odds (+175) to win the SEC which would put them on the path for another National Title run. The second best is Georgia at +300 (three to one) to win the SEC. And Florida comes in at +500.

For the last couple of years, it’s been Georgia who’s come out of the east, but this could be Florida’s year. The Bulldogs are sitting at -175, once again moderate favorites to win the division.

Florida comes in at +450, which considering their odds to win the SEC are +500 … seems like a glaring soft spot in the betting lines. So, the Gators have a really good shot at taking the SEC East and are quite valuable on the betting lines.

Florida State Seminoles & Miami Hurricanes | ACC Atlantic & Coastal

The Noles had a rough run of it last season. They finished 3-5 in conference and 7-6 overall. At least they finished above .500, but you have to get those conference wins if you want a shot at the playoffs. 

Unfortunately for the Noles, Clemson still has Dabo Swinney and Trevor Lawrence is coming back as a Junior. The Tigers are -600 to win the ACC, and we have to be honest here … they are such massive favorites because, for the last five years or so, the ACC has been the weakest Power 5 conference.

Heck, these programs have fallen into shambles. Florida State, a former powerhouse is +2000 to win the ACC. They sit behind Virginia Tech at +1800, North Carolina at +1400, and Miami at +800.

ABOVE VIDEO: What makes matters worse for FSU is the fact that Clemson is in their division. The Canes, on the other hand, are likely to roll through the Coastal division and take on the Tigers in the ACC title game.

What makes matters worse for FSU is the fact that Clemson is in their division. The Canes, on the other hand, are likely to roll through the Coastal division and take on the Tigers in the ACC title game.

What makes matters worse for FSU is the fact that Clemson is in their division. The Canes, on the other hand, are likely to roll through the Coastal division and take on the Tigers in the ACC title game.

If any team can dethrone them, it will be the Hokies. However, I don’t it will happen. That said, you never know, UNC could surprise in 2020 and Pitt showed flashes of potential last year.

All in all, I do believe we’ll see a showdown between the Hurricanes and Tigers for the top spot in the ACC and a CFP berth. 

Other Florida Teams You Can Follow This Season

• FIU Panthers

• South Florida Bulls

• Florida Atlantic Owls

The Owls are exciting. They went 11-3 last year and are now 4-0 in their bowl appearances. This year they have it a little tougher and are only lined out to win 8 games. That said, I think they win 9 or more. 

Now that there is no Florida Tech Panthers Football, who is your favorite team? Let us know in the comments below.

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