The No.25 Florida Gators (2-1, 1-0 SEC) are set to host Charlotte (1-2) in the Swamp on Saturday at 7:00 PM for the first time in program history.
The 49ers rank 100th in the FBS in total offense and 108th in total defense, which presents a pretty favorable matchup for the Gators in week four. Gator Country previews Florida vs. Charlotte with our roundtable discussion.
What are the keys for the Gators’ offense against Charlotte?
AS: Florida should be able to run and pass on Charlotte but the running especially should be good as teams are average over 150 yards per game on the ground against Charlotte. The Gators want to feed their three running backs and that should be the case again this week.
NM: Charlotte allows over 150 yards on the ground and 270 yards through the air, which ranks 110th in the FBS. Florida’s athleticism outmatches the 49ers, so the key for the Gators’ offense is the offensive line, who will have three backups starting the game, including two making their first start as Gators. Mertz should be able to get the ball to his playmakers if the pass protection is on point.
GH: This offense needs to show that last weekend wasn’t a fluke against Tennessee. Last season this football team struggled with handling success. Limiting the mental errors and continuing to execute in the passing game will be key for this team with Kentucky coming up next weekend. The Gators will trot out a young offensive line on Saturday, and it’s important for this team to show that they can continue to run and pass the ball effectively.
What are the keys for the Gators’ defense against Charlotte?
AS: Charlotte’s offense isn’t having a good season but Saturday should be a chance for the Gators to add some sacks to their season total as well lower there points per game. Florida’s defense should be able to do whatever they want against this Charlotte offense that rotates two quarterbacks including former Gators QB Jalon Jones.
NM: They key for the Gators’ defense will be to contain QB Jalon Jones, who has found most of his production on the ground, posting 80, 67, and 49 rushing yards through three games including two rushing touchdowns. Keeping Jones in the pocket will be a key to success in week four. It’s important to note that Charlotte has run two QBs in games throughout the season, with sophomore Trexler Ivey also taking snaps under center. Expect both QBs to play on Saturday night.
GH: Continue to play fast and aggressive while being disruptive on the defensive line. Former Florida quarterback and current Charlotte signal-caller Jalon Jones has rushed for 196 yards on 32 attempts this season. Stopping the run and containing Jones will be the biggest priority this weekend.
The Gators will be without three starting offensive linemen for the first half. What are you looking for out of Knijeah Harris, Lyndell Hudson, and others that may have to contribute early?
AS: I love watching Harris play as he’s aggressive and loves to push people around so this is a chance for him to continue to show the country just how good he can be. This is an opportunity for this group to gain some valuable experience and create some depth for this staff.
NM: Both Harris and Hudson have been effective in pass protection in limited opportunities this season. Hudson has a chance to prove he can be a reliable third tackle off the bench for Florida. As for Harris, he’s a young and promising interior offensive lineman that has a chance to gain valuable experience in his first year. I’m looking for consistency from this group. I want to see a prepared group that limits unforced mistakes.
GH: Both Harris and Hudson have shown that they can be a problem for opposing teams in the trenches this season. I think it’s important for those two players to prove that they can hang with the rest of the line consistently for four quarters. I’d like to see Florida spread the ball out downfield and run the ball effectively behind an unfamiliar starting offensive line.
Who would you like to see get more snaps in week four?
AS: Andy Jean and Aidan Mizell are two guys that stick out to me because of the injury to Tre Wilson, the Gators need someone else to step up at receiver and either of these guys could provide that spark. Neither of them are as fast as Wilson but both guys bring something different to the table and would be good weapons to develop.
NM: I want to see wide receiver Aidan Mizell and safety Bryce Thornton plenty in week four. Mizell’s athleticism could cause serious issues for Charlotte’s secondary, and with Eugene Wilson out for week four, the door for playing time is open. This is a great time to gain valuable experience for the freshman receiver. Bryce Thornton jumped Kamari Wilson on Florida’s most recent depth chart and played well in his only appearance this season, totaling four tackles and one tackle for loss against McNeese State. Thornton is a freshman safety that could provide great depth in an already young safety room.
GH: There’s a long list of players for me, but I’d like to see defensive linemen Chris McClellan and Kelby Collins get more action this weekend. McClellan is a player who could start on this defensive line after recording 24 total tackles last season. I think we could see a lot of those two on Saturday.
Special Teams has been a concern since Napier arrived in Gainesville. What improvements are you looking for in week four?
AS: Do the simple things and it will be an improvement. I don’t think that can be overstated as the special teams unit has failed at doing the simple things like lining up and executing extra points. Hopefully the kicking game can become more reliable now that Trey Smack has gotten some experience.
NM: On Wednesday, Napier wasn’t sure who would do the kicking for the Gators in week four, but Florida’s depth chart shows Trey Smack as the first-string kicker. This is a great time to give Smack some more kicking experience before Florida travels to Kentucky in week five. I want to see Florida make a play in the return game. The Gators have too much talent to be a non-factor in the return game.
GH: The shanked punts and missed field goals must be cleaned up before traveling to Lexington next Saturday. This game will be a good opportunity for special teams to get some things in order with Trey Smack stepping into a bigger role. Jeremy Crawshaw may not punt the ball too many times this weekend, but he needs to be efficient when he does.
Florida is 27.5-point favorites over Charlotte in week four. How do you see this game going?
AS: I think Florida wins but doesn’t cover, Napier likes to rotate guys in and doesn’t run the score up so I think the Gators win handily but I don’t see them covering.
NM: I have Florida winning 37-10. I don’t envision many reps from Florida’s starting offensive line unit, even in the second half when Damieon George and Micah Mazzccua are available to play.
GH: I think the Gators win this game 42-10. There’s a chance we could possibly see a few hiccups in some areas, but the Gators will play a clean game for the most part. Playing efficient football on both sides will be the deciding factor on how the rest of this season goes for the Gators. Hopefully this team has regained focus after a rough start to practice this week.