Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week three matchup at Auburn with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to victory for Florida’s offense?
AS: Auburn’s run defense is pretty good especially the linebackers so the Gators will need to be able to move the ball through the air early. If the Gators are able to throw it then the run game will open up but DJ Durkin is not going to let Jadan Baugh win this game.
GH: The biggest key for Florida’s offense this weekend will be how well the offensive line can handle Auburn’s front seven. I also want to see the offense start out hot and set the tone early, which is something this team failed to do many times under Billy Napier.
NM: Florida’s passing offense is the key to this game. Auburn’s clear weakness on defense is in the secondary, particularly defending the deep pass. Florida will obviously try to get Jadan Baugh going but there’s real potential to create explosives in the deep passing game vs. Auburn.
What are the keys to victory for Florida’s defense?
AS: Make Byrum Brown uncomfortable is the biggest key for me. Brown will turn it over if you can keep him in the pocket and put pressure on him but the Gators haven’t shown they can get pressure on the QB consistently yet. Florida can’t let Brown have all day to throw or be able to get out and run outside of the pocket.
GH: The biggest key on defense will come down to how often Florida’s front seven can pressure Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown and force him to make mistakes. In Auburn’s win over Baylor, the Bears recorded five sacks that led to a career-high three interceptions for Byrum Brown.
NM: Containing Byrum Brown. Auburn doesn’t have elite weapons around him, so the biggest thing Florida needs to do is keep him in the pocket and force him to beat them through the air. There needs to be an emphasis on pursuit and tackling on Saturday night.
Who do you want to see receive more snaps on Saturday?
AS: The easiest answer here is Eric Singleton but we aren’t sure of his health at this point so I’ll go with LJ McCray. Florida needs a pass rush and someone to take the load of off Jayden Woods and McCray can do that.
GH: I want to see Lagonza Hayward receive more snaps on Saturday after his performance through the first two weeks of the season. The sophomore has been excellent in pass coverage and recorded 3 total tackles (2 TFL), and 2 passes defended in the win over Campbell.
NM: J’Vari Flowers on defense. He’s been Florida’s best cornerback in coverage through two weeks. While undersized, he’s aggressive at the point of the catch.
Florida has been rotating tight ends through two games, but Amir Jackson’s blocking has stood out to me thus far.
How much do you trust what we’ve seen from Aaron Philo through two games, and what specifically do you want to see from him against Auburn?
AS: I trust Philo from the games he played at Tech and now this year. I want to see Philo continue to take what the defense gives him and not force the ball into coverage. Philo knows how good his playmakers are if he gets them the ball they will do the rest.
GH: I’m close to trusting Aaron Philo, but there’s more I need to see first. At times this season, Philo has missed some reads with receivers running wide open down the field, which can lead to mistakes and forced throws when facing a better front seven. I want to see Philo go through his progressions and not force the ball down the field if Auburn’s front four becomes an issue on Saturday.
NM: Aaron Philo has exceeded my expectations through two games, but this is his first real test. I want to see him operate at the line of scrimmage at a high level in his first-ever road start. I want to see him be aggressive down the field.
What is the one matchup you think could decide this game?
AS: Florida’s defensive line versus Auburn’s OL. Auburn’s OL hasn’t been good this year and while Florida’s defensive line hasn’t either, we know they’re better than they’ve shown. Can they prove it on Saturday and make life miserable for Auburn’s offense?
GH: Whichever team is more physical on the line of scrimmage will win this game. The Gators’ defensive front has somewhat struggled through two weeks, and it’s critical that the Gators contain Byrum Brown and force him to make mistakes.
NM: SEC games are decided at the line of scrimmage, but I truly believe the biggest mismatch in this game is Florida’s wide receivers vs. Auburn’s secondary. I like Florida’s weapons to make one more big play than their opponent, which could decide the game.
Give me your score prediction and why:
AS: Florida 34- Auburn 21. Florida has more talent and Golesh doesn’t score a lot against P4 teams. Also this is personal for this team and Jon Sumrall.
GH: I think Florida’s offense will be too much for Auburn’s secondary to handle. The Tigers struggle defending the pass as former Gators quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 333 yards against the Tigers in Week 1. I have the Gators winning 27-23.
NM: Florida 24, Auburn 20. I picked Auburn to win in the preseason, but I wasn’t impressed with the Tigers in Week 1 against Baylor, and Florida’s offense looks better than I imagined. The Gators take a close one.