The Gators travel to Columbia, Missouri to take on the No.9 ranked Tigers at Faurot Field in week 12. Gator Country previews Florida vs No.9 Missouri by providing you with our roundtable discussion.
What are the keys for Florida’s offense against Missouri’s defense?
AS: Florida showed in the LSU game that the offense is improving but all goes back to giving Graham Mertz a little time and that happens best when Florida is able to run the ball. Missouri gives up 111 yards a game on the ground and without Ty’ron Hopper, the Gators should be able to run the ball a little against the Tigers. The key will be the health of Austin Barber who’s questionable for the game.
NM: Florida’s offense has been improving as the season progresses, but the biggest storyline in week 12 is the health of Florida’s offensive tackle Austin Barber. If he can’t play, Florida will shuffle around their offensive line which ranks 112th in sacks allowed. The key to Florida’s offense has and always will be to avoid the negative plays. Sacks and penalties have killed the momentum of Florida’s offense at times this season. Stay ahead of the chains and the Gators will find success.
GH: I think the biggest key for the Gators is to have an effective ground game. If Austin Barber can’t give it a go this Saturday, it will be tough to replicate what this offense did against Arkansas, but it must be done if the Gators want to hang around. Pass protection has also been a major issue that hasn’t been resolved. There’s been times where Graham Mertz needs to get rid of the ball, but giving up multiple sacks a game is unacceptable.
What are the keys for Florida’s defense against Missouri’s offense?
AS: I’m not sure what to even write here because I’m not sure there’s anything the Florida defense has shown that makes me believe that they will be able to slow the Missouri offense. Brady Cook has picked up apart defenses all year and the Gators’ defensive backs haven’t shown they can stop anyone but the Gators must find a way to get pressure on Cook if they hope to stop this Tigers’ offense.
NM: I agree with Andrew on this one. Florida’s defense has not given me much hope that they will be able to limit Missouri’s well-balanced offense. Florida’s defense has gotten some pressure in the last two weeks, specifically in the first half of both Arkansas and LSU games. The key will be to maintain that pressure and momentum for four quarters of play. Keep Cook in the pocket and don’t let him hurt you with his legs.
GH: Be the more physical team on the line of scrimmage and defensive front. Tackling and containing was the biggest issue last weekend against LSU as the Tigers accounted for 700 total yards of offense. If the Gators want to slow down Missouri, they need to get off the field on third down and they can’t let Cody Shrader run wild. The Missouri running back rushed for 205 yards on 35 attempts against Tennessee last weekend.
Who would you like to receive more snaps in week 12?
AS: As I said above, Florida’s defensive backs haven’t shown they can stop anyone so I’m writing again to see more of Ja’Keem Jackson. Jackson was in the game briefly against LSU and made some nice plays so I want to see more of him.
NM: I want to see Jaden Robinson play more. Florida’s linebackers have looked lost for a majority of the season, especially after the loss of Shemar James. At this point in the season, I’d just rather the young guys gain experience if the more experienced players are not going to cut it.
GH: I’d like to see Kamryn Waites get some more action with Austin Barber listed as questionable. There could be some position swaps on the offensive line this weekend but I’d like to see Waites in the game regardless.
Other keys to victory?
AS: The defense hasn’t shown up as of late so this team is going to have to create some turnovers and win special teams to have a shot in this game.
NM: This game reminds me of the Georgia game in the fact that I don’t think Florida can win this game without winning the turnover battle. Missouri is better on both sides of the ball and will need to cough it up a few times to give Florida a chance at an upset. Missouri has done a good job taking care of the football this season, as has Florida, so this might be a challenging task.
GH: I think the most important thing that must happen is for both sides of the football to show up ready to play. Complementary football has been a lasting issue for the Gators and i’d like to see that change this weekend.
Florida is currently 11-point underdogs on the road against Missouri. How do you see this game going? Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have Missouri winning 42-24 in this game.
NM: I think this game is competitive for a while, but ultimately Florida’s defense struggles to get stops. I have Missouri winning 45-33.
GH: I think the Gators lose 34-23 in a hard fought football game. Unfortunately, I think Florida’s defense just doesn’t take a step forward at night in Columbia.