The Florida Gators are set to clash with the Vanderbilt Commodores in week 12 of the college football season. This year’s been filled with many ups and downs for the Gators, but they have a chance to strengthen their momentum going into the final week of the 2022 season. Eight wins and a bowl game win is still on the table for Florida, which didn’t look likely a few weeks ago.
Gator County provides our roundtable preview of Florida’s SEC East matchup against an improved Vanderbilt team.
What are the keys for this team on offense this week?
AS: Florida controlled the line of scrimmages last week and that’s the key again this week. Vandy gives up over 160 yards a game on the ground so getting the ground game going early is big, especially with the weather supposed to be cold for an early kick.
NM: The Gators need to continue to play to their strengths and run the football. Vanderbilt isn’t a good tackling team, and they will struggle to slow down the trio of Richardson, Etienne, and Johnson. I’m looking for all three to be heavily involved in Florida’s rushing attack this weekend.
Gentry: Last week I mentioned how I’d like to see Anthony Richardson’s growth from a consistency standpoint, and I’d like to see that again this weekend. After two great back-to-back performances from Richardson, I think the key for this offense this week is Richardson continuing to make the important throws and running the football consistently.
Florida is working on six straight quarters without allowing an offensive touchdown. What do the Gators need to do defensively to keep the momentum going?
AS: Patrick Toney has done a great job of getting creative with the pressure and the defense has done a good job of getting to the quarterback and that’s key once again this week. Vanderbilt will want to run the ball but if you can force them into being one-dimensional it will help the defense.
NM: The keys to the defense will depend on which QB we see take the field for the Commodores. If it’s Mike Wright, the Gators need to keep him in the pocket and not let him run. He’s a dangerous rushing threat with high-end speed. Forcing him to beat you through the air is the key. If Florida sees AJ Swann, they will want to dial up pressure and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. The freshman quarterback hasn’t had a ton of reps in his career, but he can beat you through the air if you let him sit in the pocket.
Gentry: I think the key on defense this weekend will be to stop Vanderbilt’s run game on the ground. The strength of this Vanderbilt offense all starts with their running back Re’Mahn Davis and QB Mike Wright who have combined for 465 rush yards in the last two weeks. Bring pressure and stop the run.
Anthony Richardson has played well on the road in his young career; what does Richardson need to do to keep the Gators offense flowing against Vanderbilt?
AS: Be himself is the best advice I have for Anthony. Richardson has gotten into a groove lately by running the ball and then getting outside the pocket and throwing the ball well. If AR makes the defense respect his running game and he can just connect on a few passes, the Gators offense will succeed.
NM: Richardson has played his best and most consistent football over the last few weeks because he’s being aggressive in the run game and taking care of the football. If he continues to do that, Florida’s offense will have no problem putting up points in week 12.
Gentry: Richardson will need to distribute and run the football well this weekend once again. It’s simple, when Richardson runs the football it’s usually a sign that he’s in rhythm and on his game. Hitting the key throws to keep drives going, making good decisions and knowing when to keep the ball on option plays is what will keep this offense flowing.
Who do you want to see receive more snaps this week?
AS: Jonathan Odom is a guy that I want to see more of, he’s a forgotten guy at the tight end position but he played well against South Carolina and the Gators need someone to step up at the position.
NM: Jordan Young is the player I want to see make a significant impact this week. He’s logged just 45 snaps this season and has played well when given the opportunity. I don’t think any Florida CBs have taken a huge leap this year and proved they are deserving of a guaranteed role in the rotation.
Gentry: I’d like to see Caleb Douglas get a good number of snaps again this weekend. Douglas, who led the team with 53 yards on three catches, is exactly the player I thought he was. I think he will play a huge factor for this offense this weekend and in the future. Marcus Burke is another name to keep an eye on as he will get his first career start in place of Xzavier Henderson this weekend.
What will be the keys to victory for the Gators this week?
AS: Getting off to a fast start and not letting Vandy feel like they have a chance in this game. Vandy is coming in off of a big win so they’ll will have confidence but if the Gators can jump out early on the Dores, then the doubt will sink in and the Gators can run away with this.
NM: All eyes are on the defense for me this week. I believe Florida will move the ball easily against this Vandy defense that ranks last in the SEC. I think coming out the gate strong on both sides of the ball is the key for me. If the Gators defense can force a quick three and out, they will carry that momentum for four quarters.
Gentry: Consistency on both sides of the football and finishing out the season strong is the biggest thing for me here. This team must come out strong on defense while continuing to play well on offense. Anthony Richardson and Florida’s defense will be the two biggest things to watch Saturday. It’s important that this team picks up right where they left off once again.
Give us your prediction on how this game will turn out
AS: I have Florida winning 42-14. Win number 7 of the year with a chance to pick up number 8 in Tally.
NM: I have Florida rolling 35 -17 in Nashville. The cold weather won’t be an issue for the Gators ground and pound approach. Florida hangs over 500 yards of offense in a big week 12 victory.
Gentry: I have the Gators winning big behind another great offensive performance on the ground this weekend with a final score of 42-20. I think the defense plays well overall, but not as good as they should.