Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s Week 7 matchup at Texas with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
Roundtable:
What are the keys to Florida’s offense vs. Texas’ defense?
AS: Florida’s OL has got to play better and allow the running game to get going in this game. If Florida can’t run the ball then I don’t see how the win the game with or without Aaron Philo.
GH: I’m going to continue to say it until it changes, but all of Florida’s issues on offense start and finish with the offensive line. Florida’s run game has been nonexistent the last two weeks, which has killed the overall production of this offense. If Florida’s offense is going to bounce back, the offensive line needs to be better for Jadan Baugh and Florida’s run game.
NM: If the offensive line doesn’t significantly improve from the last two weeks, Florida has almost no chance against one of the best defensive fronts in college football. If Vernell Brown III returns, that should help open up the offense and make things a little easier for everyone. The Gators need to find a way to limit Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons.
What are the keys to Florida’s defense vs. Texas’ offense?
AS: Florida has got to get pressure on Arch Manning and force him into turnovers because if they give him time, Texas WR’s will get open against Florida’s weak secondary.
GH: Florida’s defense must bring consistent pressure in the backfield while not giving up any chunk plays in the secondary. If that doesn’t happen, it will be hard for the Gators to stay in this game.
NM: Florida is going to have to win the turnover battle to beat Texas (see Oklahoma vs. Texas last week). The Longhorns’ defense isn’t going to allow many yards, so the Gators need to create scoring opportunities with turnovers and short fields. Texas has an average offense that hasn’t lived up to expectations. Florida needs to be smart with its pass rush, keep the quarterback inside the pocket and affect his throws.
One player you would like to receive more playing time in Week 7:
AS: TJ Dice. He has played well when in the game and with the OL struggling, I say give him a shot in more meaningful snaps.
GH: With Duke Clark out this weekend with a lower body injury, I want to see London Montgomery slide into that backup roll behind Jadan Baugh. I believe Montgomery has the best vision amongst the remaining backs in the room.
NM: TJ Dice Jr.: We heard a lot about Dice Jr. during the offseason, and right now, Florida’s tackle play can’t get much worse. Colin Simmons is a tough matchup for anybody in the country, but the Gators need to find a solution at tackle. Dice Jr. has played well in limited opportunities.
What’s one matchup that could decide this game?
AS: The line of scrimmage is the key here. Whoever wins that, wins the game.
GH: Florida’s offensive line vs Texas’ defensive front will be the biggest matchup in this football game. Colin Simmons currently leads the country with 9.5 sacks through five games this season and will likely be a big problem for Florida’s offensive line.
NM: Florida’s offensive line vs. Texas’ defensive front is the biggest mismatch in this game. The Gators have to find a way to neutralize the Longhorns’ strength, or they could be in for a long day.
If Tramell Jones Jr. gets an opportunity against Texas, what would you want to see from him? Could Jones provide a different dimension to Florida’s offense than Aaron Philo?
AS: Take some shots deep and allow the fast receivers to get past defenders. If there’s one weakness of Philo, it’s his arm strength and that isn’t a problem for Trammell.
GH: I think Tramell Jones Jr. can provide a different dimension when it comes to finding the open receiver downfield and going through his progressions. However, it’s extremely important that Jones doesn’t force the ball and make mistakes against the best defensive front this team has seen through six games. Florida’s offensive line must improve on the road for the sophomore to have any success against that group.
NM: Jones Jr. has a slightly stronger arm and is probably a touch more accurate than Philo, but going up against this Texas defense isn’t an easy task for any quarterback. Ultimately, the game plan is the same for both quarterbacks: get the ball into your playmakers’ hands in space.
Score prediction?
AS: Texas 45, Florida 21
GH: Texas 34, Florida 24
NM: Texas 38, Florida 10
Gentlemen,
Reviewing your predictions:
AS – 24 point loss
GH – 10 point loss
NM – 28 point loss
Average: UF loss by 21 points while the Vegas line, last I checked, was Texas – 10-1/2.
Rather disturbing for GC beat personalities to have such dire predictions. Fingers pointed directly at the offensive line, not that I disagree based on the performances of the last 2 weeks, or the last UF visit to Austin.
It’s all so shocking given the 4-0 start.