Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s (0-1) week two matchup vs Samford (0-1) with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
Florida’s offense gained just 261 total yards and scored just 17 points in week one vs Miami. What do you think the Gators need to emphasize on offense in week two?
AS: I want to see a mean streak from the offensive line and to see them get a push against a weaker Samford defensive line. I want to see an offensive line that dominates the game.
GH: I think the biggest problems last weekend were due to poor offensive line play. The running game must take a step forward behind a better performance from the offensive line if the Gators want to improve offensively.
NM: I want to see Florida establish the run against an inferior opponent in Samford. Outside of Montrell Johnson’s 71-yard run, the Gators’ offense didn’t do much of anything in week one. DJ Lagway should be able to help create a spark in Florida’s running game, which will allow opportunities for Lagway to throw the deep ball. I want to see aggression and effort from Florida’s offensive line.
Florida’s defense allowed 529 yards and 41 points in week one vs Miami. What does Florida need to do differently on defense?
AS: The defensive line much like the offensive line needs to get a push and create a pass rush and move the line of scrimmage back in the running game.
GH: Florida’s issues on defense start with the defensive line. Without an effective front seven that can pressure the quarterback, it’s doubtful that Florida’s defense can come together as an entire unit. Defensive backs in the secondary have been forced to cover players longer than they should, and that can’t happen anymore.
NM: Florida limited Miami’s rushing attack in week one, but the pass rush was nowhere to be found. I want to see Florida’s edge rushes win their one on ones and pressure the quarterback. Samford’s quarterback, Quincy Crittendon, is a dual threat QB that rushed 19 times for 99 yards in week one. You can’t let him roam around in the backfield like Cam Ward did. I want to see Florida’s secondary in the right spot and actively breaking on the ball.
Which player do you want to receive more snaps in week two?
AS: Kelby Collins and Pup Howard. I want to see Kelby play more because he has shown to be physical and he’s able to get a pass rush. With Pup, he’s fundamentally one of the best players on the team.
GH: I want to see Kelby Collins receive more snaps in week two after getting a total of seven snaps against Miami. I’d also like to see some significant changes on the offensive line.
NM: I want to see sophomore defensive lineman Kelby Collins play significantly more. After averaging nearly 23 snaps per game as a freshman, Collins logged just seven snaps in week one. Collins has the opportunity to provide Florida a better pass rush on the interior defensive line.
What are the keys to victory vs Samford?
AS: Come out with an edge and a fight and Florida should cruise in this game but they also need to show themselves they can play with an edge.
GH: The trenches have to be better for the Gators. It’s extremely hard for this team to find any success without being effective at the line of scrimmage, and that has to end this weekend. I think if that area can get cleaned up, everything could start to flow on both sides of the ball.
NM: It’s pretty simple; effort. Florida will cruise to a victory if all 22 players are determined to play. Show some aggression on the line of scrimmage.
What’s your score prediction?
AS: 35-14 Florida
GH: I think we still see some issues, but I think the Gators still win this game 34-10.
NM: 41-17 Florida.