Florida (5-3, 3-2 SEC) is set to face off against Arkansas (2-6, 0-5 SEC) inside The Swamp during week ten of the 2023 regular season. The Gators wield a 10-2 series edge and are undefeated vs. the Razorbacks in five meetings inside The Swamp. In those five meetings in The Swamp, Florida has outscored Arkansas by 115 points (23.0 PPG), 217-102.
Florida has won 10 of the last 11 meetings dating back to 1995. The two teams last met in 2020, with Florida posting a 63-35 home win. The Gators totaled 593 yards thanks to 356 yards passing and six touchdowns from QB Kyle Trask.
Gator Country provides a scouting report of the Arkansas Razorbacks ahead of their week ten matchup with the Gators.
Scouting the Razorbacks
Arkansas comes into this contest winless in SEC play and losers of six in a row. Arkansas’ only wins this season came against Kent State and Western Carolina. Despite their record, the Razorbacks have been a tough out this season as all six of their losses were one score games, including three-point losses to Alabama and LSU.
OFFENSE
Arkansas’ offense ranks amongst the worst in college football through eight games of the 2023 season, ranking 120th in total offense, 112th in rushing offense, and 105th in passing offense. Arkansas is scoring 26.5 points per game, which ranks 71st in the FBS.
The Razorbacks’ offense looks a lot different this year under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos, who was fired prior to this week’s matchup against Florida. Arkansas promoted Kenny Guiton to interim offensive coordinator, who was a quarterback at Ohio State (2010-13) and has been a wide receivers coach at Colorado State, Louisiana Tech and Houston, as well as a quality control coach at Texas under Tom Herman. Guiton served as Arkansas’ wide receivers coach prior to the promotion.
In 2022, Guiton worked alongside Kendal Briles, who led KJ Jefferson’s offense to 470.5 yards per game. KJ Jefferson has completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,547 yards, 14 touchdowns, and a career high seven interceptions in 2023. The dual threat QB can beat you in a variety of ways and is a dangerous player, despite his average looking numbers this season. Jefferson combined for 33 touchdowns (9 rushing) and five interceptions a year ago.
WR Andrew Armstrong has been Jefferson’s top target this season, hauling in 43 receptions for 520 yards and four scores in 2023. The 6-4, 201-pound receiver has been a consistent weapon for Jefferson and this Arkansas offense.
There’s obviously a level of uncertainty that comes with this matchup as Guiton does not have play calling experience but was a part of a staff that found a tremendous amount of success in 2022.
Arkansas has not been able to find consistency on the ground this season, but the likely return of RB Rocket Sanders may provide the spark the Razorbacks are looking for. The 6-2, 242 pound back broke onto the scene last season, rushing for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns on 6.5 yards per carry. In 2023, behind a poor offensive line, Sanders has totaled just 91 yards in three games, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. It will be interesting to see if the running concepts improve under new OC Kenny Guiton, potentially freeing up more space for their star running back.
Arkansas’ offensive line ranks 114th in pass blocking and 46th in run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus.
Miscellaneous info
- Arkansas ranks 67th in 3rd down conversions (.400%)
- Arkansas ranks 5th Red Zone Offense
- Arkansas ranks 50th in team passing efficiency
DEFENSE
Arkansas’ defense has put together an impressive 2023 season, ranking 32nd in total defense, 32nd in passing yards allowed, and 51st in rushing defense. The Razorbacks rank 47th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 22.88 points per game. Defensive coordinator Travis Williams has done a nice job at Arkansas since being hired in December of 2022.
Arkansas’ defensive success starts with their ability to pressure the quarterback, where they rank 24th in the country, according to PFF. They also rank 24th in team sacks, recording 22 through eight games. Edge rusher Landon Jackson is the player to watch along the defensive line as he’s totaled 34 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2023. His defensive grade of 79.1 ranks third on the Razorbacks’ defense, according to PFF. Jackson won’t be easy to miss on the gridiron as he stands at 6-7, 281 pounds. Jackson will certainly have the attention of Billy Napier and this Gators’ offense in week ten.
An interesting player to look out for in Arkansas’ secondary is cornerback Dwight McGlothern, who grades as the Razorbacks top defensive player. McGlothern has battled injuries this season, which has kept him off the field in three games this season. The senior has allowed just six receptions for 79 yards on 11 targets while recording two interceptions. It remains unclear whether McGlothern will travel to Gainesville with the team, but he is a player to keep an eye on tomorrow if he’s active.
Miscellaneous info
- Arkansas has 72 missed tackles this season / average of 9 a game.
- Arkansas ranks 41st in 3rd down defense (.359%)
- Arkansas ranks 55th in turnovers gained (12)
- 3 of Arkansas 5 highest graded players are on the defensive line.