Florida's Bowl Future Shaping Up - but Still Cloudy

Three years ago, the University of Florida fired then football Head Coach Ron Zook. Come January 2008, it's possible UF will face Zook, now coach of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

With Southeastern Conference foe Georgia finished in conference play, and the University of Tennessee set to face the Kentucky Wildcats at home Thanksgiving weekend, the Vols control their own destiny.

Tennessee can seal their SEC East championship with a win against the Wildcats, while Georgia sits back and hopes for a Tennessee loss to catapult them ahead of the Vols to play for an SEC crown.

Meanwhile, with Florida's SEC play done as well, the Gators wait for the chips to fall where they may as the 'Dawgs and the Vols finish out their seasons. In the meantime, Florida will take on in-state rival Florida State University Thanksgiving weekend.

Florida is more than likely headed to either the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., or the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on January 1, 2008. Beyond that, the door for Florida's opponent is wide open.

Since Ohio State defeated the Michigan Wolverines to clinch the Big Ten championship, the Buckeyes will play in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2008. Illinois could be selected by the Capital One Bowl, which would send Michigan to the Outback Bowl in Tampa.

It's also possible that Florida Citrus Sports officials could select Michigan to play Florida in the Capital One Bowl.

Regardless, a match-up of the Gators versus either Illinois - and former Coach Zook - or the Wolverines - who were bypassed for the national championship game in favor of Florida in 2006 - would be a huge draw.

It's unlikely that Florida Citrus Sports officials would select Wisconsin, as they've played in Orlando the past two seasons, and Penn State's fourth quarter loss to Michigan State erased their shot at the Capital One Bowl.

It's a far cry from the national title game in 2006, and Gators fans may be disappointed with no SEC title or BCS-bowl hopes, but the potential bowl match-ups should have UF fans on their toes.

A match-up against former Coach Zook would be exciting for sure. Zook has brought excellent recruiting and SEC speed to the Big Ten. Plus, as a former defensive coordinator, it's possible Zook could have the remedy for Florida's QB Tim Tebow and the high-powered, high-scoring offense.

With Florida's shaky defense, it's possible "The Zooker" could give them some trouble with a spread offense similar to Florida's. If Florida's rush defense, which has been stronger than the pass defense, stays strong, they should give Illinois a tough time. However, Florida's passing defense is suspect at best, and Illinois' QB Juice Williams and star receiver Arrelious Benn could give the young secondary of Florida some difficulty.

A match-up against the Michigan Wolverines would be hard-hitting, with Michigan likely still sore over being passed up by Florida for the national title game last year.

One thing's for sure: with one weekend left in regular season play, numerous bowl spots are still up for grabs.