Andrew Spivey, Nick Marcinko, and Gentry Hawk preview Florida’s week 11 matchup vs No.5 Texas with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to victory against Texas defense?
AS: Florida has to establish some kind of passing with Warner at quarterback. They can’t let Texas load the box all game long.
NM: If freshman QB DJ Lagway is unable to suit up on Saturday with a hamstring injury, Florida’s staff will have to find some kind of passing game out of PWO QB Aidan Warner vs a Texas defense that ranks No.1 in passing yards allowed. Quick screens or slant passes to utilize Florida’s speed at WR would be ideal in this scenario. Florida will need to stretch the field to open up their running game.
GH: I think the biggest key for the Gators this weekend is for Aidan Warner to play relaxed and be a game manager. Don’t try and do too much and establish the running game to take some weight off his shoulders throughout this game on Saturday.
What are the keys to victory against Texas’ offense?
AS: They need to continue to get pressure on the quarterback like they did in the Georgia game. When Georgia did that against Texas they had a lot of success creating turnovers.
NM: Simply put, Florida’s defense is going to have to win them this game if Aidan Warner is at QB for UF. The Gators will need an outstanding effort and will need to be dang near perfect in most areas.
GH: I think the biggest key in this game will come down to how well Florida’s secondary performs while having multiple players sidelined with injuries. Texas’ passing offense currently ranks 13th in the country which will be a challenge for the Gators
One player you would like to see receive more playing time in week 11?
AS: Tank Hawkins, with Tre out for the season, Tank needs more reps.
NM: DB Aaron Gates needs to be on the field for every snap on Saturday vs Texas. Gates has probably the highest upside among Gator defenders yet has only logged 30+ snaps twice this season. He’s a true game changer.
GH: Not that he hasn’t been getting playing time, but I would really like to see Arlis Boardingham get worked in a bit more on Saturday with QB Aidan Warner looking to start on Saturday. I think Warner could have an easier time on Saturday with Boardingham working the flat.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Florida needs to create some short field situations for the offense by creating some turnovers on defense.
NM: I don’t see a path to victory unless Florida creates 2-3 turnovers and takes the Texas crowd out of the game a little bit.
GH: We’ve seen how turnovers on defense have kept Florida in games for the last couple weeks, and the Gators will need more of that on Saturday to have a chance.
Florida is currently 22.5-point underdogs vs Texas. Give us a score prediction.
AS: Texas 31 Florida 10
NM: Texas 24 Florida 7
GH: Texas 34 Florida 13