Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week one matchup vs Long Island with our roundtable discussion.
What position group on offense and defense are you most looking forward to watching on Saturday? What would you like to see from them?
AS: I’m looking forward to seeing the younger guys on the offensive line. Florida should be able to rotate a lot of guys on Saturday and I would like to see what guys like Fletcher Westphal and Caden Jones can do.
GH: The position group I’m looking forward to the most on offense is the wide receivers. I’m curious to see how well new additions like J. Michael Sturdivant, Vernell Brown lll and others perform with DJ Lagway under center. On defense, I’m going to go with the defensive line. I don’t think we will get the best looks from the secondary this weekend as the defensive line should have a field day. I want to see that group add onto their momentum from last season, regardless of the opponent.
NM: I’m most excited to get our first look at the new receivers. Florida has about eight receivers deserving of playing time, and we might get to see every single one vs LIU. I’m looking forward to seeing what the edge rushers can do vs the Sharks. LIU will run a lot of speed options and I want to see the edges wreak havoc and play disciplined.
Provide me three freshman you are looking forward to seeing vs Long Island. Which freshman do you think performs the best?
AS: VB3, Byron Louis, and Joseph Mbatchou. We all know how good VB3 is but I’m ready to see it in the orange and blue. Everyone I’ve talked to has bragged on Louis and Mbatchou so I’m ready to see it.
GH: With LJ McCray sidelined, I think we see Jayden Woods get valuable reps alongside George Gumbs Jr., and I’m excited to watch that on Saturday. Vernell Brown III is the next player I’m ready to see step on the field. The connection between Brown III and DJ Lagway has been a big topic this offseason and I’m curious to see just how good that connection is. Lastly, I want to see how much progress Ben Hanks III has made since we last saw him in the spring game. After gaining 12 pounds since he stepped on campus, Hanks III has a great chance to prove himself at the next level this weekend. When it comes to which freshmen I think performs best, it’s hard for me not to go with Vernell Brown III. I think Brown will be a featured receiver that has a chance to make some big plays behind a great performance from DJ Lagway.
NM: Wide receiver Vernell Brown III could have a field day in week one. The type of guy who can score every time he gets the ball. Edge Jayden Woods should get lot of playing time and has the chance to show us why the staff is so high on him. I want to see freshman quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. play a significant amount. The rookie hasn’t played in a live game since early in his senior season, and this game is a great opportunity for him to further his development in a low-pressure game. I think VB3 is the most valuable freshman in week one.
Given that LIU is a run heavy offense, what are some things you want to see from Florida’s defense.
AS: I would like to see the guys tackle well.
GH: I want to see Florida’s defensive front dominate LIU’s rushing attack and build on their momentum from the end of last season. I know it’s not a top tier matchup, but the Gators finished 66th in rushing defense in 2024 and this game is a great opportunity to see if they can hang with the big boys throughout the season.
NM: I want to see Florida’s edge rushers play with discipline against an offense that’s going to run a ton of speed option and zone reads. I want to see the speed off the edge that we’ve heard so much about.
What do you want to see Florida’s offense accomplish vs LIU?
AS: I want to see the offense be able to throw with quarterbacks other than DJ Lagway.
GH: I really just want to see flawless execution in all aspects against an overmatched LIU team. Yes I want to see big plays, but I want to see minimal mistakes and improvement when it comes to penalties. Prove that you are ready to face SEC opponents on the road.
NM: The reality is we won’t learn much, if anything from this game. However, I want to see dominance offensively regardless of who is in at quarterback. I’d like to not see a noticeable drop off quarterback play against this LIU team.
Who scores the first touchdown for Florida?
AS: Jadan Baugh.
GH: I think Tre Wilson has a house call to score the first touchdown for Florida.
NM: J-Michael Sturdivant.
Florida is currently 45.5-point favorites over Long Island. Give me your score prediction.
AS: 49-3 Florida
GH: I think the Gators win 52-0. I have a hard time seeing the Sharks score any points on Saturday.
NM: 52-0 Florida