No. 1 Florida (4-0) at No. 4 LSU (5-0), 8:00PM ET
The Gators travel to Baton Rouge to take on the Tigers on Saturday night in college football’s game of the week. Florida’s 14-game winning streak is in jeopardy because quarterback Tim Tebow hasn’t been medically cleared to play yet after suffering a concussion two weeks ago in a win over Kentucky. Another factor working against Florida is that LSU has won 32 straight Saturday night games and Baton Rouge has proven to be one of the more hostile environments in college football. But for betting purposes, something doesn’t feel right about this point spread. Why is Florida a 7.5-point favorite on the road against a Tiger team that hasn’t lost on Saturday nights in 32 consecutive tries and Tebow hasn’t been cleared to play? LSU’s offense has struggled so far this year and things won’t get any easier this week against a Florida defense that is the best in the nation. The game might be tight for a while, but the Gators cover in the end.
Odds: Florida –7.5.
Prediction: Florida 24, LSU 14.

Boston College (4-1) at No. 5 Virginia Tech (4-1), 12:00PM ET
The Hokies have won two straight ACC title games against the Eagles coming into this game, but BC holds a three-game regular season winning streak over VA Tech. While the Eagles have surprised many pundits this year, they’re likely to struggle this weekend in Blacksburg. VA Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor continues to improve as a passer and is starting to build a lot of confidence. Boston College doesn’t have the offensive weapons to match up with the a tough Hokie defense and the Eagles will struggle to contain Taylor for four quarters.
Odds: VA Tech –13.5.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Boston College 13.

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ESPN.com is reporting that Florida quarterback Tim Tebow returned to practice on Tuesday for the first time since suffering a concussion two weeks ago in a win over Kentucky. But Tebow still hasn’t been medically cleared to play against LSU this Saturday night.

The question now becomes: If Tebow isn’t cleared to play against LSU until Saturday, should Urban Meyer still play him?

The obvious answer would be “hell yes – what are you an idiot?” But even though this is a SEC game for Florida, it doesn’t mean that the Gators absolutely need a win. They could still lose to Tigers (a West opponent), win the East, play for the SEC Championship and then make another appearance in the BSC title game. Remember, the BCS system rewards teams for getting their losses out of the way early.

I’m not saying that this isn’t a big game for Florida because it is. What I’m saying is that risking Tebow’s health for this particular game isn’t worth it because the Gators could still accomplish their goals of winning the SEC and playing for a national title if they lose to LSU. Believe it or not, the bigger game for Florida is coming up at the end of the month when they host Georgia, which is an East opponent.

If Tebow is medically cleared to play in the next day or two and he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, then the obvious decision is to start and play him against LSU. But if he isn’t ready to go until Saturday morning or afternoon, then Meyer should consider holding his best player out and giving him another week to rest. After all, the Gators can still play for a national title with one loss, but they can’t play for a national title without Tim Tebow.

Besides, Florida’s defense is ranked No. 1 in the nation and LSU’s offense has struggled mightily in the early going. The Gators could still beat the Tigers in Baton Rouge without Tebow, which is another reason why holding him back if he’s no 100% makes sense.

According to ESPN.com, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow won’t practice on Monday and hasn’t been medically cleared to play LSU on Saturday. Tebow suffered a concussion two weeks ago in a win over Kentucky.

But Meyer said the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner is no longer dealing with post-concussion symptoms.

“From what I understand, there’s no symptoms and I think he’s cleared to act like Tim Tebow,” Meyer said. “Everything but practice right now. I know he’s allowed to watch TV. Earlier in the week he wasn’t allowed to do anything focused. I guess that’s normal protocol. And then after a week they acclimate.”

Meyer said Tebow has been without headaches and other symptoms for several days. He said Tebow was given balance and memory tests Friday, Sunday and Monday, and the results were “very positive.”

First and foremost, it’s good to hear that Tebow isn’t suffering any post-concussion symptoms. Hopefully the medical reports will continue to be positive and he can continue playing soon.

But speaking only from a football sense, this is horrible timing for Florida. If they were playing Holy Trinity Sisters of the Poor in five days, resting Tebow for another week would make sense. But with LSU and their ferocious defense coming up, the decision on whether or not to play Tebow gets a little cloudier.

That said, if he’s not medically cleared to play, then there’s no debate – he needs to sit out. But what if he’s medically cleared at the end of the week and he missed five days of practice? Should Florida still play him?

This is going to be an interesting dilemma for Meyer.