It’s gameday. The Gators are set to take on the Aggies in College Station at noon. Neither of these teams are where they’d like to be entering week ten of the college football season. Florida (4-4) and Texas A&M (3-5) are both battling for bowl eligibility with four weeks left.
Texas A&M has a talented team but it’s one of the youngest in college football. The Aggies have consistently relied on 18 true freshmen from the 2022 class, which ranked 1st in the country.
Florida’s defensive struggles and inconsistent QB play has played a major factor for the Gators.
Gator Country gives you ten players to look out for in this SEC matchup.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON QB #15
I don’t think Richardson needs to light the world on fire for the Gators to pull out a victory in College Station, but he does need to show the Aggies he’s a willing runner. TAMU struggled defending Ole Miss’s RPO game a week ago. Jaxson Dart, much like Anthony Richardson, hasn’t been the most accurate passer this season. The Rebels offense cruised through this Aggies defense by running the football; Dart played a huge role in that. I don’t even think Richardson needs to offer much on the ground, he just needs to keep the edge rushers honest. If Richardson takes care of the football and takes what the Aggies defense gives him, Florida will be just fine.
CONNER WEIGMAN QB #15
Weigman is a true freshman making just his 2nd career start against Florida in week ten. Weigman threw for 338 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in his 1st start against Ole Miss a week ago. As reported by Gator Country, Weigman and other Aggies have been sick with the flu this week, limiting their practice time. This may or may not end up playing a factor in today’s game. Weigman looks comfortable in this offense; I suspect he will test Florida’s weak secondary with deep shots down the field, especially on play actions.
RICKY PEARSALL WR #1
Florida’s leading receiver, Justin Shorter, is questionable for the game. Florida may need to rely heavily on Pearsall, Henderson, and a few of the younger receivers that haven’t played much this season. Pearsall is Florida’s most talented receiver. His route running, acceleration, ball skills, and overall play making ability makes him a threat to opposing defenses. Pearsall hasn’t been able to rack up the stats this season due to inconsistent QB play. Nonetheless, Pearsall is a weapon that Napier should try to utilize more on Saturday’s.
DEVON ACHANE RB #6
Achane may be the best player on the field in this matchup. The junior running back has 765 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 142 attempts this season. Achane is a receiving threat as well, catching 33 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns through eight games. Achane is going to touch the ball 20+ times in this one; he’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
MONTRELL JOHNSON #2
It’s a toss-up for me between Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson in week ten. The reality is you could see both do very well against TAMU’s run defense that ranks 13th in the SEC. I’m looking for Johnson to find the endzone more than once in week ten.
EVAN STEWART WR #1
Stewart leads the Aggies in receiving as a true freshman. He’s collected 478 yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions this season. I know it’s super early in his career, but he’s got first round talent written all over him. Patrick Toney and this Gators’ defense need to keep a close eye on Stewart in this one.
ANTWUAN POWELL- RYLAND LB #52
The dismissal of Brenton Cox leaves Florida extremely thin on the edge for the remainder of their schedule. Powell is the penciled in starter, but you will see a number of guys rotate in along the defensive line. Lloyd Summerall and David Reese are two more names to keep an eye on. Much like the rest of the Gators’ defense, Powell’s been inconsistent in a reserved role this season.
JARDIN GILBERT DB #20
The Aggies secondary is the strength of the defense, Gilbert is a big reason why. He’s started all eight games and has registered the team’s only two interceptions this season. He’s 1st on the team in tackles with 52 and 2nd in pass deflections with four.
DESMOND WATSON #21
Florida needs to find a way to stop Achane from breaking loose on Saturday. Watson’s snap count is now creeping into the 40s; he’s going to have opportunities to make big plays. You don’t want Achane getting into the 2nd level against a secondary that’s struggled to tackle in open space. Florida’s front seven needs to create pressure on an inconsistent Aggies Oline. Watson is big enough to draw double teams and anchor down his spot, allowing the linebackers to fill the gaps.
CHRIS RUSSELL LB #24
Russell is one of the few seniors on this Aggies defense. He’s done it all for TAMU this year, gathering 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection through eight games. Russell will have his hands full trying to stop Florida’s rushing attack.