The Florida Gators fell short against the Kentucky Wildcats last Saturday in the Swamp in a game in which the offense struggled mightily.
This week, the Gators welcome in the USF Bulls to town and a defense that has been giving up a lot of points this year as well as giving up a lot of rushing yards.
There’s a lot of questions surrounding how the team will rebound from last week’s disappointing loss and the GatorCountry team will give you their preview of the USF game as well as their predictions.
What are you keys for this team to be successful on offense?
AS: Run the ball and then run the ball some more. This team was very successful in week one by running the ball and they had some success in week two running, but they got away from it and struggled. Running the ball successfully will open the passing game for Richardson and allow him to settle into a groove. Also, USF is one of the worst teams in stopping the run.
Nick: The Gators will be able to get by against USF by just running the football effectively. Bulls rank 127th in run defense through two weeks. However, I think this game is a good opportunity for Richardson to get in a rhythm passing the football. I need Richardson and his receivers to be on the same page this Saturday.
Gentry: The passing game will need to take a step in the right direction this weekend after it ultimately cost them the win against Kentucky last Saturday. South Florida will be a great opportunity for Anthony Richardson to have a bounce back game and put up big numbers. Once again, the offensive line must perform well given Michael Tarquin is out this weekend. If so, I wouldn’t worry about Florida’s run game at all.
Brandon: The passing game, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, will need to be polished as bad reads and Richardson forcing the ball resulted in a lack luster offensive performance against Kentucky. Richardson threw two interceptions against Kentucky. One that put the Wildcats in scoring position, which resulted in a Will Levis touchdown, and another one that became a pick six. Despite how poorly UF played offensively, they still had chances in the game to win last Saturday. Now going against USF, Richardson will need to take things slowly and make sure to pass the ball with precision.
What are you some things that you need to see improved on defense?
AS: With Ventrell Miller out with an injury this week it will be interesting to see how the defense responds as not only as Miller your best linebacker but he’s also the quarterback of the defense. I think you will see a lot of Shemar James in the game but Scooby Williams will also get his chance at the Mike and he’s a guy that hasn’t played much so how does he respond.
Nick: I need to see if the Gators can defend tight ends for four quarters. A team like Georgia is going to score every single drive if the Gators can’t get it figured out. The Gators also need to defend the run in this game. USF has run the ball effectively to start the season, they will test the Gators on the ground.
Gentry: I thought the defense played exceptionally sound against Kentucky last weekend, specifically on the defensive line. This weekend’s game against South Florida will give us a good look at the future of our defense as I expect a lot of young players to rotate throughout the secondary and linebacker position.
Brandon: With the absence of linebacker Ventrell Miller on Saturday, Florida will need linebackers Scooby Williams and defensive lineman Justus Boone to step up to lead the Gators pass rush, which has only three sacks through two weeks. Also, the needs for improvements in the Gators secondary is something to look for. Florida’s D-line was doing a lot of the work against Kentucky. Some sparks from players we saw last Saturday, such as safety Trey Dean III and cornerback Avery Helm, will need to continue as well.
Do you think the passing game will be alive this week?
AS: As I said above, I think once the Gators can establish the running game against a bad USF rushing defense then the play-action and roll-out passing game will open up to help move the ball and get Richardson some confidence heading into next week’s game. Richardson needs a confidence boost after last week.
Nick: I think Napier is going to try and get Richardson’s confidence back against USF. I think you’ll see a few screens to start the game before Richardson attempts airing it out.
Gentry: I do think Anthony Richardson gets things cleaned up. Given Richardson was shaken up early in the first half against Kentucky with an ankle issue, I think the offense relies heavily on Richardson’s decision making and the ground game with the running backs. If the offensive line can do its job, then I expect Richardson to look similar to how he did against Utah, more calm and collective.
Brandon: The passing game will be one of the biggest questions going against South Florida as it was an issue for UF last Saturday. However, I don’t see how the passing game will struggle against the Bulls as USF has averaged giving up more than 250 yards per game in the air alone. South Florida, who played BYU and Howard University to start the season, will struggle to defend some of the top receivers on Florida’s roster such as Ricky Pearsall and Xzavier Henderson.
After week two, do you think anyone has earned more snaps?
AS: Etienne is probably the easy answer here but I’m going to go with Justus Boone, Boone had the big hit on Will Levis last week, but he also played good discipline ball all together. Florida is looking for someone to get to the quarterback and Boone has earned the right to play more.
Nick: My answer is the same as last week, Trevor Etienne. I want to see Etienne on punt returns as well, I think he could provide a much-needed spark there. My defensive pick is Scooby Williams. I was impressed with his speed in last week’s game. He gets a chance to display that this week as he’s slated to start.
Gentry: This week I’m going to go with Shemar James. The true freshman has 11 total tackles in two games so far this season. Even though Scooby Williams is starting, James will have a big opportunity to show what he’s made of this weekend with veteran linebacker Ventrell Miller out with a leg injury.
Brandon: After week two, I still stand on the Trevor Etienne train. The Jennings, Louisiana, running back had nine touches against Kentucky, three more than in UF’s victory over the Utah Utes in week one. Running for 46 yards and a touchdown last Saturday, Etienne as a true freshman is becoming one of the more explosive backs on Florida’s offense with his speed and pure, natural talent. I believe more reps are coming his way, despite his lack of seniority on the team.
What will be the keys for victory for the Gators this week?
AS: Getting off to a fast start is the key in games like this as you do not want USF sticking around and gaining confidence that they hang with you in this game. Also you want to get ahead early and pull away so you can rest some of your veteran players in the second half and play some of the young guys who need game experience.
Nick: Running the football. Austin Barber is making his first start at RT; he’ll need to be a consistent force the Gators on Saturday. On defense, the Gators will need to stop the run. Ventrell Miller is out for the Gators, that’s a huge hole to fill. Someone in the LB room will need to step up and stop the run, I’m looking at Shemar James, Scooby Williams, and Derek Wingo here.
Gentry: The defense will need to continue to get better every week and have another big game up front. The passing game will need to show its strengths this weekend after a poor performance last weekend. If the offense can run the football like they did in week one against Utah, pass efficiently and effectively, I wouldn’t be worried at all.
Brandon: Control the pace, keep your defense off the field and do not force the passing game in the offense. Keep away from turnovers and make sure that Richardson becomes a dual-threat quarterback again. As cliché as it is, the Gators need to focus on the little things to win games.
Gives us your prediction on how this game will turn out?
AS: Billy Napier knows the pulse of the fan base and he knows the fans want to see more points, I have Florida winning 42-10 in the game and heading to Tennessee with some confidence.
Nick: The Gators will handle the Bulls this Saturday. I think the Gators find success running the football and cruise to a victory. I also think the defense has another good game, but the Bulls get a backdoor cover. 34-13 Gators.
Gentry: I’m going to go with 38-14. I’m hoping the passing game will look the way many expected going into this season. I think this game will be another great opportunity for Anthony Richardson to bounce back from what we saw last weekend and torch South Florida’s defense. As far as the defense goes, I’m not too worried about them at all as I think this will be their best showing yet.
Brandon: Florida will have the lead most of the game. I cannot really put a final score on this game, but I can’t imagine a weak Bull’s secondary will compete against Florida’s receiving core. Florida will win by at least two touchdowns.