Florida (5-4, 3-3 SEC) is set to face off against No.19 LSU (6-3, 4-2 SEC) inside Tiger Stadium during week 11 of the 2023 college football season. In Florida’s last trip to Death Valley in 2021, the Gators came up short in a 49-42 shootout that saw UF total 498 yards. QB Anthony Richardson threw for 167 yards and three touchdowns.
Gator Country previews Florida’s matchup with LSU by providing you our roundtable discussion.
What are the keys to the Gators’ offense against an LSU defense that ranks 96th in total defense and 88th in scoring defense through nine games?
AS: The offensive line has got to play better than they have the last two weeks. Florida has got to be able to run the ball to allow the passing game to have to have to throw. LSU will get after Graham Mertz if the OL doesn’t do a better job.
NM: It starts with the big men up front. If the Gators can keep Graham Mertz up and get a strong running game started, Florida can take advantage of a weak LSU defense with their skill players. Mertz needs to avoid allowing negative plays by holding on to the ball too long.
GH: I’d like to see more rotation this weekend on the offensive line. This group gave up three sacks, six tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries last weekend and I think some changes must be made if this offense wants to keep up with a high-scoring LSU offense. I think you have to get the ball in the hands of playmakers like Trevor Etienne and Eugene Wilson against a mediocre LSU defense. On possessions where Florida’s offense came up scoreless against Arkansas, Wilson didn’t have one carry or reception. At this point if you’re Florida, you have to stick to what works, and both players need to be a factor for this offense on Saturday.
What are the keys for the Gators’ defense against an LSU offense that #1 in total offense in 2023?
AS: Florida has got to get pressure on whichever quarterback plays on Saturday. Against Jayden Daniels getting pressure is a lot harder as he has the ability to run and run well. Lsu was sacked four times against Alabama but simply put it isn’t easy to stop LSU.
NM: Unfortunately for Florida, there’s not much tape on stopping LSU’s offense. Florida has got to do a better job of containing opposing team’s QBs if they want a chance at a huge upset. The linebackers have to fill their gaps and keep Daniels inside the pocket. In the secondary, keep tabs on Malik Nabers at all times.
GH: Watching this defense continue to decline all starts with the defensive line and the physicality of Florida’s entire defense. The biggest key is to make tackles, as the Gators missed a total of 12 tackles against the Razorbacks. If the physically doesn’t take a step forward with improved tackling, it’s going to be a long night for the Gators in Death Valley.
Who would you like to see receive more snaps in week 11?
AS: I will go with Ja’Keem Jackson. We will all know what you’re going to get out of Jason Marshall and Jalen Kimber so I would like to see Jackson get some more playing time. The freshman is physical and is the future at the position.
NM: I’ll go with Kelby Collins again. I know that Tyreak Sapp is back and healthy, but Collins has provided a spark off the edge this season, generating 16 pressures, 10 QB hits, and three sacks. Collins his third on the team in total pressures and QB hits.
GH: I’m going to go with Eugene Wilson. I think the freshman can bring a different dynamic in terms of scheme and what Billy Napier could potentially throw at this defense if he wanted to. The Arkansas loss was a perfect example of the difference in Florida’s offense when Wilson is on the field, and he must get more action this Saturday.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Handling the small details is a huge key. Florida can’t have simple mistakes and details and expect to win against a good LSU team on the road. Florida’s offense will have to score 25+ points in the game as well.
NM: Winning the time of possession will be key in this game. The Gators have to keep LSU’s offense off the field by putting together consecutive successful drives. This game is going to take an elite level of focus as Tiger Stadium is sold out. Communication must be on point.
GH: The little things have proven to be costly for this team all season. For four straight quarters, we need to see both sides of the football play a sound and discipline game and that includes on special teams. The penalties and procedural issues must come to an end if the Gators want to capitalize off turnovers and big plays.
Florida is currently 13.5-point underdogs against LSU. How do you expect this game to go? Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have LSU winning 42-24.
NM: I think Florida finds some offensive success in this contest, but they struggle defensively once again. 41-32 LSU
GH: Depending on who the Gators face in Death Valley, I think Florida could have a chance if the Tigers have to form an identity behind backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. However, I think Jayden Daniels will be under center giving LSU a major advantage at home. I have the Tigers winning 42-24.