Florida (3-2, 1-1 SEC) is set to face off against Vanderbilt (2-4, 0-2 SEC) in week six inside The Swamp. The Gators will look to continue dominated the Commodores at home, where the Orange and Blue are 21-1 against Vanderbilt in Gainesville dating back to 1960 including an active-four game streak.
Gator Country previews Florida vs Vanderbilt with our roundtable discussion.
What are the keys to the Gators’ offense against Vanderbilt?
AS: The Gators have got to get the running game going. In both losses this year they’ve had trouble running the ball and put too much pressure on the passing game. Vanderbilt’s defense struggles against the run and the Gators need to take advantage of that.
NM: Vanderbilt has not been particularly sound in any area defensively, so the Gators’ offensive line is the key to success in week six. Florida should be able to get a good push up front while providing ample time for Graham Mertz in the pocket, as Vandy has only sacked the opposing QB six times, the same number of games they have played. The Gators need to focus on winning on 1st and 2nd down.
GH: The run production must be better, and the offensive line needs to find some production and consistency. If those two groups can’t mend together regardless of personnel, this offense will only continue to struggle. Unfortunately, the Gators could be without running back Trevor Etienne and will need to move the ball through the air. The lack of downfield passing concepts has hurt the production of this offense and I’d like to see that open up more on Saturday.
What are the keys for the Gators’ defense against Vanderbilt?
AS: The Gators need to be physical up front and stop the run and then get after the quarterback. Florida’s front seven was pushed around last week and that can’t happen again this week. Florida needs to hit the quarterback so he isn’t able to key in on Will Sheppard.
NM: The key for the Gators’ defense will be to know where WR Will Sheppard is at all times. Sheppard has established himself as one of the SEC’ best receivers over the last two seasons, recording 16 touchdowns in his last 18 games. Outside of that, Florida needs to prove last weekend’s tackling performance was an outlier, as the Gators missed 17 tackles against Kentucky.
GH: Tackling was the biggest issue last weekend as Florida finished with 17 missed tackles. Scooby Williams surprisingly led the team with five of those missed tackles. Play in the secondary must step up and this defense must finish plays like they did earlier in the season if they don’t want to keep this game close. Florida’s front seven got worked by Kentucky’s offensive line and its key that this team brings the physicality this weekend. After a strong start to the season, the defense fell apart against Kentucky and that can’t happen against Vanderbilt.
Who would you like to see receive more snaps in week six?
AS: Well last week I asked for more Andy Jean and succeed when given more snaps. This week I would like to see more Knijeah Harris, I haven’t been impressed by Florida’s guards so maybe Harris could help that.
NM: I’m going to go with Ja’Keem Jackson. Jackson has allowed just one reception on four targets, has yet to miss a tackle, and has graded out well across the board, according to PFF. Jackson has rotated in as the fourth corner this year but has logged just 59 snaps.
GH: I’d like to see Andy Jean get some more snaps this weekend with receiver Caleb Douglas out with a leg injury. Nick mentioned earlier this week that Jean is expected to see an increased role, and I think we could possibly see the freshman have a big day on Saturday.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Special teams needs to be special. Well they need to be anything but a negative. The kicking situation has improved now they must cut down on the bad penalties.
NM: While I completely agree with Andrew and Gentry, I’m going to say that the Gators need to jump out to an early lead and get Florida’s homecoming crowd to make a difference. I’m looking for a clean football game, and for the Gators to create multiple turnovers defensively.
GH: I want to see the penalties and personnel issues across the board get cleaned up completely. It’s been a consistent issue all season that met its breaking point on Saturday after Ray Davis rushed for a 75-yard touchdown. You can’t play consistent winning football if you continue to line up incorrectly, have too many players on the field and don’t have any discipline overall. On the positive side, Jeremy Crawshaw played better against Kentucky, and it will be important for him to keep that up this weekend.
Vanderbilt has one of the better wide receivers in the SEC in Will Sheppard, who has a combined 16 touchdowns in his last 18 games. What do the Gators need to do to limit Sheppard?
AS: Getting to the quarterback is the best way but playing some type of bracket coverage on him will likely be the other way. Florida has to take him out of the game, he’s the guy that you circle and say he can’t beat us.
NM: The Gators need to keep Vanderbilt’s offense guessing all game long. A mix of man and zone coverage while working in a bracket or double team coverage should limit either of Vandy’s QBs from getting Will Sheppard the ball.
GH: Jason Marshall must live up to the expectations he was given entering this season. The Gators could be without starting safety Miguel Mitchell for the game, which means freshman safety Bryce Thornton could be launched into a pretty significant role. There have been a few inconsistencies in coverage in 2023 and the Gators can’t let that happen against a receiver like Will Sheppard.
Florida is looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in week five. How do you see this game going? Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have Florida bouncing back this week. I’ll go 31-17.
NM: I think the Gators keep up their momentum at home and cruise to a 30-14 victory. Florida should be playing with an edge after getting embarrassed a week ago.
GH: I think the Gators get some things cleaned up this weekend but continue to struggle in some areas. I have the Gators winning this game 27-17.