Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week six matchup vs. No.9 Texas with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys for Florida’s offense vs Texas’ defense?
AS: The running game is the key for me, but it won’t be easy as Texas has one of the best rushing defenses in the country. Florida must find a way to take pressure off of Lagway and still move the ball.
GH: It all comes down to DJ Lagway. We have yet to see Lagway lead this offense since week one of this season. If this offense can finally find some flow, they have a shot. With Ja’Kobi Jackson sidelined this weekend, the running game will need to dig deep to make things easier for Lagway under center.
NM: I’ve said it since the USF game, and I’ll continue saying it. If DJ Lagway doesn’t play better Florida won’t win many games, regardless of coaching deficiencies. I want to see a quarterback that’s confident after mistakes, can progress through reads, and hit open receivers. Florida certainly needs to play better around him, but the quarterback play has left a lot to be desired to date.
What are the keys for Florida’s defense vs Texas’ offense?
AS: Stop the Texas running game is the key for me. They have been very good in being balanced so the Gators need to make them one dimensional in this game. Make Arch win this game like Ohio State did.
GH: Keep the foot on the gas despite injuries across the board. Arch Manning has struggled when under pressure and you need to make his life difficult while also stopping the run. It will all come down to how well Florida’s front seven performs with players like George Gumbs Jr. back in action.
NM: Keeping Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the pocket will be key in this game. Although Manning has struggled in the pass game, he’s given the Longhorns offense some life with his legs given his ability to move outside the pocket and take off. Winning on first and second down will be critical with a pass offense that’s struggling.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Start fast on offense, a score early on offense would go along ways for this team and this defense who has been having to play from behind a lot.
GH: The little things are going to matter more than anything after the Gators have looked horrid the last three weeks in terms of turnovers and discipline. Limit the turnovers and penalties on offense and cause chaos on the defensive side.
NM: Florida needs to start fast and get The Swamp rocking. Fans haven’t had a reason to get rowdy, and the team needs to give them one. At its best, The Swamp is one of the best atmospheres in college football. A quick touchdown to open the game could go a long way.
One player you would like to receive more playing time in week six:
AS: This is cheating but Dallas Wilson is who I want to see this weekend. This should be Wilson’s first game and I’m eager to see what he can do once he has the ball.
GH: With Ja’Kobi Jackson sidelined this weekend, I would like to see KD Daniels get more touches. True freshman Duke Clark will likely get the majority of his touches, but I think Daniels brings unmatched speed that could cause trouble for Texas’ defense coming off the bench for Jadan Baugh.
NM: Wide receiver Aidan Mizell. I made the case for Mizell to get more playing time two weeks ago but he missed the Miami game due to injury. Florida needs a spark in their offense and Mizell can bring that to the table. Mizell and Lagway have a special connection on and off the field.
Score prediction:
AS: 31-14 Texas
GH: 31-20 Texas
NM: 21-13 Texas