Five list of five: Florida Gators vs. UMass preview

Florida Gators (0-0) vs UMass Minutemen (0-0)

 Date: Saturday September 3rd

Time: 7:30 PM

TV: SEC Network

Last Meeting: First ever meeting between Florida and UMass

 

Last Time Out:

  • Florida lost to Michigan 41-7 in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
  • UMass beat Buffalo 31-26 in their final game of the 2015 regular season

 

UMass Minutemen 2015 Breakdown:

  • Head Coach: Mark Whipple 55-44 in 9th year at UMass (127-77 overall)
  • Conference: Independent
  • 2015 Overall Record: 3-9
  • 2015 Conference Record: 2-6 in the MAC

Players to Watch:

  • Sophomore Running Back Marquis Young

In 2015 Young rushed for 960 yards with 7 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 YPC.

  • Junior Linebacker Shane Huber

Huber is the team’s top returning tackler from 2015. He recorded 95 tackles with 2.5 for loss.

 

5 Things to know about UMass:

  1. After playing four seasons in the MAC, UMass is now an independent.
  2. The Minutemen have not allowed less than 31.4 PPG on defense since 2011, when they surrendered 27.9
  3. UMass is 6-18 in road openers, 0-9 versus FBS opponents losing by an average of 22.2 PPG.
  4. In 2015 the UMass defense gave up more than 500 yards of total offense once, surrendered more than 600 yards three times and 700 yards once.
  5. In their last 5 games against ranked opponents, UMass has given up an average of 52.4 PPG.

 

5 Things to Pay Attention to:

  1. Usage of Massey and Powell on the field together
    Massey and Powell are two of the more versatile players on the Florida offense. We will see them contribute at more position than receiver. With both on the field at the same time, this can produce some major headaches moving forward for defenses. It will be interesting to see how Mac and Nuss find ways to get them in open space to really do some damage.
  2. Running back rotation
    Exiting Spring practice Florida could feel comfortable with the depth at running back with Cronkrite, Scarlett and Thompson. With the emergence of true freshman Lamical Perine, the running back rotation has altered a little bit. Expect all four to play and get plenty of carries to impress the staff as the battle continues to be the number one running back through the season.
  3. Cornerbacks lining up opposite of Quincy Wilson
    With Jalen Tabor suspended for the first game, Florida has listed Duke Dawson on the depth chart opposite Wilson. Dawson who will be the primary nickelback this year is backed up by true freshman Chauncey Gardner and JUCO transfer Joseph Putu. With the depth at cornerback in question, this will be a great opportunity for Gardner and Putu to start solidifying the depth at cornerback.
  4. Pass protection
    It is not a secret that Florida struggled in pass protection last year giving up 46 sacks. Multiple things could be to blame for that, but the bottom line is that has to improve. UMass totaled 15 sacks a year ago and Florida should be able to handle them. Multiple breakdowns on the line Saturday night and that will be a cause for major concern.
  5. How much work does Del Rio get
    After multiple transfers Luke Del Rio travels are well known and his first opportunity to lead a team comes under the lights in the Swamp. We should expect a solid performance from Del Rio but how much time will the staff let him get. With SEC play starting next week, Del Rio may see significant time to make sure things are tight before Kentucky comes in next week.

5 Things to Expect:

 

  1. Big plays in the passing game
    At times last year we saw that the Gators were able to generate big plays in the passing game. With Callaway cleared to play along with Powell and Massey, expect some fireworks through the air.
  2. Freshman to make their presence known
    The Gators will play plenty of redshirt and true freshman on Saturday evening. Expect some big plays from some of them. Look out for running back Lamical Perine, wide receivers Freddie Swain and Joshua Hammond, defensive end’s Jabari Zuniga and Antonneous Clayton, Linebacker Kylan Johnson and defensive backs Chauncey Gardner and Jeawon Taylor to all get plenty of playing time and all will look to prove they belong in the rotation when the meat of the SEC schedule arrives.
  3. Special teams resurgence
    At times in 2015 the Gators special teams units were underwhelming. With the addition of Eddie Pineiro at kicker and Dre Massey being used on kick return, to go along with proven entities in Johnny Townsend and Antonio Callaway the Gators can have a game changing special teams unit.
  4. Great Defense to continue
    Elite defense has become a staple in Gainesville and this year will be no different. There are questions surrounding the depth at linebacker and defensive back but there is talent behind one of the best starting units in the nation. UMass will find it hard to move consistently against the Florida defense.
  5. Improved offense
    This seems like the obvious, but the way 2015 closed the Gators need to have a solid showing on Saturday and at least for the time being remove some doubts. There is a nasty stench that Florida can’t seem to get rid on offense and UMass is the perfect medicine for recovery. Expect this offense to have a 200/200 day through the air and on the ground.

 

5 Keys to Victory:

  1. Turnovers and penalties are minimal
    In the opening game of the season with plenty of new faces there will be some mistakes. The hope is that those will be kept to a minimum and Florida puts away UMass early. The only way this remains close is if Florida beats Florida. The Gators ended 2015 with a +8 turnover margin which was good enough for 27th in the nation.
  2. Dominate on the lines
    Florida has a clear advantage over the inferior Minutemen on both lines. Florida should be able to run effectively on a defense that ranked 94th in the nation in rush defense in 2015 and the Gators will field one of the best front seven’s in the SEC that should be able to slow down a talented back in Marquis Young.
  3. Respect the opponent and do your job
    When playing less talented teams one of the hardest things to do is to remember your assignment and fundamentals and not rely on talent alone. The Gators have to use this game to focus on getting better and continue discovering those who will be the main contributors as the season progresses. Nothing is impossible in the world of college football and you never overlook or disrespect the opposition.
  4. Start fast
    UMass will be making their first trip to Gainesville and a quick start by the Gators will make it a miserable for the Minutemen. The Gators will need to make big plays early and often and taking away any hope that UMass may have entering the game and a decided underdog.
  5. Play all the way through
    The expectation is that the Gators will take control early and win this game going away. If that comes to pass, it is important to maintain quality play throughout the course of the game. After this game there will still be playing time up for grabs at multiple positions and when the opportunity comes for the reserves they need to keep the foot on the gas and play all the way through the 4th

 

5 Signs It Was a Good Day:

  1. Luke Del Rio is efficient and error free
    McElwain won’t ask Del Rio to go out and break school records on Saturday but he will demand that he play clean and efficient football. If Luke can end the day with a high completion percentage and zero interceptions that is a good sign for an offense that will need some time to gel around the new signal caller.
  2. Pineiro removes any remaining doubts
    Most are aware of what Eddie Pineiro can do with his foot, the only question is if he can do it in a live game. McElwain said he feels comfortable with Eddie from the 30-35 yard line, if that is the case that is great news for the Gators. If Pineiro can make a couple bombs on Saturday night, that will do more for this team than we can imagine.
  3. Rushing yards go above 200
    As previously stated, UMass struggles stopping the run. The Gators are deep at running back and should be able to break a few big runs and get that total above the 200-yard mark. Developing a consistent running game is vital for the Gators success heading into SEC play.
  4. Zero sacks
    For a line that had its ups and downs in 2015, regardless of the opponent, surrendering zero sacks in a game would be huge. This game will be a chance to come together on the line and prove they have vastly improved from last year.
  5. No Major Injuries
    Football is football and injuries happen, but if Florida can come off the field with some minor bumps and bruises that will be a win. The physicality and talent level will go up next weekend against Kentucky and having the full complement of players will be needed.

 

Prediction:

In typical opening game fashion, the Gators will show up and run away with this one. There will be enough mistakes to raise a few questions but at the end of the day the Minute Men are no match for the Gators. Expect a complete showing from the Gators and a lot of playing time for back-ups. In his first full time showing Luke Del Rio will impress and start removing doubts about his ability to play. All eyes will be on Del Rio but the offensive line and the running game will be humming. Expect Antonio Callaway to make at least one jaw dropping play to remind us of how special he is. UMass will make plays here and there on offense and defense but not enough to keep this one close through the first 30 minutes.

 

Florida 55 UMass 10

Kevin Camps
Kevin, a lifelong Gator fan has followed and studied Florida football since 1990. He is a Gainesville native that has experienced many great triumphs of Florida football. Born and raised as a Gator, Kevin loves to talk and promote the Gator Nation. When not talking Gators, Kevin is spending time with his wife and five kids, serving in his church or grilling great bbq.