Florida (5-3, 3-2 SEC) is set to face off against Arkansas (2-6, 0-5 SEC) inside The Swamp during week ten of the 2023 regular season. The Gators wield a 10-2 series edge and are undefeated vs. the Razorbacks in five meetings inside The Swamp. In those five meetings in The Swamp, Florida has outscored Arkansas by 115 points (23.0 PPG), 217-102.
Gator Country previews Florida vs Arkansas by providing you with our roundtable discussion.
What are the keys to Florida’s offense against the Razorbacks?
AS: The running game struggled against Georgia and the offensive line struggled to protect Graham Mertz and that must change against Arkansas. The Gators’ offense goes as the running game goes and Arkansas has struggled stopping the run. The Gators need to get the running game going early.
NM: The key for the Gators’ offense will be to get the running game going. Arkansas is allowing 130 rushing yards a game but is holding opposing teams to just 3.66 yards per carry. Arkansa’s pass defense ranks 32nd in the country in passing yards allowed per game and has allowed just 13 passing touchdowns this year. Trevor Etienne is fully healthy and could be in for a big game.
GH: it’s been a challenge for this offense to find any consistency behind a struggling offensive line. I’ve said it multiple times now, but every issue the Gators have on offense stems from the offensive line. If the Gators want production out of both running backs on top of a lethal passing game, getting to the second level and bullying Arkansas’ defensive line must be a priority.
What are the keys to the Gators’ defense against an Arkansas offense led by KJ Jefferson?
AS: Arkansas has struggled throwing the ball so far this year so the Gators need to get pressure on Jefferson and force him to throw the ball instead of allowing the Razorbacks to get things going on the ground. It will be interesting to see what changes are made on offense as the Razorbacks have a new play caller.
NM: Arkansas has one of the worst offenses in college football this season, ranking over 100th in the FBS in both rushing and passing offense. The key to the Gators’ defense will be to limit the best athlete on the field, Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson. Jefferson has completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,547 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. On the ground, Jefferson has run for an additional 200 yards and a score. Jefferson is a true dual threat QB and can hurt you in a variety of ways if you aren’t able to make him uncomfortable in the pocket. I’m looking for Princely Umanmielen to have a breakout game.
GH: Aside from Princely Umanmielen and Tyreak Sapp, Florida’s defense has struggled with tackling and getting across the line of scrimmage all season. Obviously, the biggest key on Saturday is to contain KJ Jefferson, but that isn’t happening unless this defensive line can make tackles and be physical up front. With the absence of Shemar James, that task will become more of a struggle. Both Scooby Williams and Mannie Nunnery have a combined 48 total tackles on the season and will need to be everywhere on Saturday if this defense wants to find improvement.
Who would you like to see get more snaps in week ten?
AS: I think we’ve seen most of everyone that’s going to play this year play already but with Shemar James out, I want to see what Jaden Robinson can do at the linebacker position. The freshman was a tackling machine in high school and physical so lets see if that carries over to college.
NM: I’m going with OL Kamryn Waites for the second week in a row. Florida is having major issues at right tackle and it’s time Florida’s coaching staff makes a switch. Waites has not allowed a pressure in 2023, although limited playing time. Waites is a guy that could boost a struggling offensive line.
GH: I’d like to see Lyndell Hudson get more snaps this weekend. The offensive line has struggled in almost every game played this season and I think some things will need to change if that group doesn’t improve soon.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Florida needs to get out to early start and not give Arkansas any hope that they can compete in the Swamp. The Razorbacks are having a down year and getting an early lead would put more doubt in Arkansas’ mind.
NM: Win the turnover battle. This key feels like it becomes more and more important as the season continues. The Gators have really struggled to create turnovers in 2023 and its severely limiting both sides of the ball.
GH: I think it’s important that this team continues to limit the penalties like we saw against Georgia last weekend. If the Gators can clean up some issues in the trenches and stay consistent in that area, I think Florida could play better than we expect this weekend.
Florida opened as a 6-point home favorite against Arkansas. How do you see this game going? Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have Florida winning 27-14 as the Gators are the better team here and playing at home should give the Gators a bigger edge.
NM: Florida 27-23. Florida is the better team and have played well at home to date. I do think Arkansas makes this one interesting.
GH: I think Florida improves in some areas but still struggles causing a close game. I have the Gators winning this one 28-20.