Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week three matchup vs Texas A&M with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
Our Florida vs Texas A&M preview podcast will drop on Friday morning. You can check that out at GatorCountry.com.
What are the keys for Florida’s offense against Texas A&M?
GH: Regardless of how many snaps both quarterbacks get, the offensive line will determine how much success Florida’s offense has on Saturday. Texas A&M’s run defense hasn’t been great, and the Gators can take advantage if the guys up front can do their job. I also think DJ Lagway needs to be on the field often if the Gators want to win this game.
AS: This offensive line has to be physical on Saturday and get a push to allow the running game to get going. A&M’s pass rush can’t be allowed to get a free rush at the QB.
NM: Neutralize Texas A&M’s edge rushers. They failed to do this against Miami and it proved costly. Establish the running game early and force the Aggies’ secondary to make open field tackles, which they weren’t able to do at a high rate against Notre Dame in week one. There’s an opportunity for DJ Lagway to shine against a defense that hasn’t contained the quarterback well.
What are the keys for Florida’s defense against Texas A&M?
GH: The Gators’ defensive front must be able to stop Texas A&M’s run game and force Connor Weigman to beat them through the air. The only success the Aggies had against Notre Dame came on the ground, and I expect them to be much improved in week three.
AS: Stop the running game and force A&M to throw the ball. If the defensive line and linebackers can do that then the Gators have a good shot here.
NM: The Aggies are going to run the ball early and often vs Florida. Texas A&M hasn’t found many explosive plays in the passing game through two weeks, so if Florida can limit the rushing attack they will maximize their chances to win.
Who would you like to see receive more playing time in week three?
GH: Other than DJ Lagway, I would like to see Aidan Mizell get some action against the Aggies with Tre Wilson listed as questionable.
AS: Tank Hawkins. Tank might get more playing time anyways because of the injury to Tre Wilson but he needs to play. His speed is special.
NM: Austin Barber. Barber has been one of Florida’s more productive offensive linemen this season but ranks 4th on the offensive line in snaps and has been taken off the field for Devon Manuel routinely through two games. Your best offensive lineman needs to play the overwhelming majority of snaps. I want to see that in week three.
The Gators are planning on playing both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway at quarterback. How would you like to see that situation play out?
GH: I expect Graham Mertz to get the start against the Aggies, but I would like to see DJ Lagway and his strengths get utilized as much as possible regardless of how Mertz plays. I think Mertz should be held on a short leash depending on his performance to start the game with Lagway ready to go when needed.
AS: I think you have to feel the game out and see how the game is going before you make this decision. I think Lagway needs plays for him but they can’t be forced if Mertz is playing well.
NM: I would like to see Lagway play a significant role on Saturday. After watching Texas A&M film, I believe Lagway has a real opportunity to make a positive impact against a defense that has not contained the quarterback well. A&M has done a nice job limiting explosives particularly in the passing game. Lagway could be the difference maker in this game.
Florida is 4.5-point underdogs against Texas A&M. Give us a score prediction.
GH: 27-24 Aggies.
AS: I have A&M winning 27-17
NM: 21-17 Aggies. Too many question marks in the trenches for me to pick Florida to win.