Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week three matchup at LSU with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to Florida’s offense vs LSU in week three?
AS: Florida’s offensive line is going to be a huge key here, if they’re able to get a push and allow the running game to get going then I expect a big day for the Gators.
GH: If Florida wants any chance in this game, DJ Lagway and the rest of this offense must execute and hit the explosive plays like they did against the Tigers last season. The Gators also can’t fade away from getting Jadan Baugh the football in the second half. Against USF, Baugh recorded five rushing attempts for 51 yards on the first drive of the game, but he only had eight rushing attempts the entire second half.
NM: Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway has to find his rhythm against LSU. The Tigers look to have one of the better defenses in the country this season and will challenge Florida in the trenches. Lagway hasn’t looked right after spending most of his offseason not participating in 11 vs 11 team reps. The Gators need it to start clicking for Lagway.
What are the keys to Florida’s defense vs LSU in week three?
AS: They must get pressure on Garrett Nussmeier and make him throw quicker than he wants. Florida can’t let him sit back there and get comfortable.
GH: With Caleb Banks making his 2025 debut, the key for Florida’s defense in this game will come down to how well the Gators pressure Garrett Nussmeier and live in the backfield Saturday night.
NM: Florida has to find a successful pass rush vs LSU, much like they did a year ago when they sacked Tigers’ quarterback Garrett Nussmeier seven times in a two-score victory. Testing this LSU offensive line early, who struggled last week against an inferior opponent, will be key in this game. Stop the run and give yourself an opportunity to get after the QB.
Give me one player you think deserves more playing time based on what we’ve seen for the first two weeks?
AS: I would like to see more of Caden Jones at right tackle, he seems to have grown a lot as a player this offseason and he has been solid this year.
GH: I think Rod Kearney deserves more playing time on the offensive line this weekend. If the right side of the line continues to struggle, Kearney is someone we will need to see.
NM: Freshman edge Jayden Woods. I want to see a hefty dose of Woods on third downs on Saturday night. The explosive pass rusher holds a 30%-win rate through two games, leading Florida’s pass rushers, according to Pro Football Focus.
After a discouraging loss to USF last weekend, what must change for Florida to upset LSU in week three?
AS: DJ Lagway must be the guy we seen last year and have the poise and confidence in the pocket again. Lagway is missing too many throws because he doesn’t trust the pocket or himself just yet.
GH: The Gators had 11 penalties against USF after recording zero penalties against LIU. If the Gators want to find any kind of rhythm offensively this weekend, the penalties and mental mistakes must go away quickly.
NM: They have to clean up the self-inflicted wounds. You can’t beat yourself against a top five team on the road. Penalties, drops, and missed assignments all must improve for Florida to win this game.
Score prediction?
AS: 24-17 Florida
GH: 28-24 LSU
NM: 23-14 LSU