It’s gameday in Gainesville. The Gators host the LSU Tigers in a critical week seven SEC matchup. Both teams come into this game with a record of 4-2 at the halfway point of the 2022 season. This game acts as a swing game for both teams. The Gators and Tigers are looking to exceed expectations previously set; a win today would be a step in the right direction.
The all-time series between these two teams has been filled with off-season drama, late game heroics, and SEC championship stakes. While you may not see all of that today, this game is certainly one to watch.
Gator Country provides you with ten players to look out for in this SEC clash.
VENTRELL MILLER #51 LB
It feels wrong not placing Ventrell Miller on my players to watch list after his performance last week. Not only is he Florida’s best defensive player, but he’s the leader as well. If Florida plays sound defense today, it’s at the hands of Ventrell Miller. Miller ranks 1st among power five LBs, according to PFF. Miller’s totaled 19 tackles in the last two weeks; he’ll look to keep his momentum against LSU in week seven.
JAYDEN DANIELS #5 QB
Daniels has thrown for seven touchdowns and 1,215 yards this season while completing 68.8% of his passes. His QBR ranks 27th in the country through six games. Daniels has been efficient through the air, but he’s at his best when he’s running the football. He has 76 rushing attempts on the season, totaling 359 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Florida needs to place an emphasis on keeping Daniels in the pocket on Saturday night.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON #15 QB
If Richardson is on his A game today, the Gators will be just fine. I want to see Richardson be aggressive in the run game as it opens up more areas of offense. Richardson moved the ball easily against this LSU defense last year, scoring four touchdowns in about one half of play. He needs to take care of the football against the Tigers. The Gators’ offense needs to take advantage of every opportunity they get and that starts with Richardson.
MALIK NABERS #8 WR
Nabers has been the Tigers best receiver to this point in the season. He’s posted 28 receptions for 370 yards and a touchdown this season. LSU hasn’t had a dynamic passing attack this season, but you can’t keep your eyes off Tiger receivers.
MONTRELL JOHNSON #2 RB
The Gators have found their success on the ground this season with Montrell Johnson leading the charge. Johnson is averaging eight yards per carry this season, ranking 2nd in the SEC. Johnson and Trevor Etienne have separated themselves from the rest of the Gators’ running back unit. With Nay’Quan Wright now listed 3rd on the depth chart, I expect to see a hefty dose of Johnson and Etienne. I like Johnson to find the endzone Saturday night.
BJ OJULARI #18 DE
LSUs had a handful of injuries this season on the defensive side of the ball. BJ Ojulari has been one player the Tigers have relied on. Ojulari has 3.5 sacks and 20 tackles this season. He played a big role in LSU’s win over Auburn earlier in the season, showing great burst off the edge and getting into the backfield multiple times.
RICKY PEARSALL #1 WR
Pearsall is a versatile receiver that can be used in a number of different ways. Pearsall is an elite route runner that moves well in open space. In what’s expected to be a close game, you need to get the ball in the hands of your best playmakers. Pearsall has 14 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns this season.
HAROLD PERKINS #40 LB
Perkins chose LSU over Florida on February 2nd of 2022. Perkins is putting together an impressive freshman season, ranking 4th on the team in tackles with 26. He’s also added 1.5 sacks and an interception to his resume. The young and talented LB will see the field a bunch on Saturday night, making him a player to watch.
BRENTON COX #1 OLB
LSU’s offensive line hasn’t been impressive in pass protection, allowing 21 sacks through six games. I’m looking at the veteran on the Gators’ defensive line to take advantage of that. Cox struggled earlier in the season but has put together back-to-back solid weeks. Jayden Daniels is going to be difficult to contain; all eyes are on Cox to limit him in that area. Cox plays a big role in stopping RPOs, something the Tigers will utilize Saturday night.
NOAH CAIN #21 RB
It was difficult to select which LSU running back I wanted on my players to watch list because they run out of a committee. With Armoni Goodwin out with a hamstring injury, I’ve chosen Noah Cain. The junior has found the endzone four times this season, totaling 192 yards on just 34 attempts, that’s an average of 5.6 yards per carry. The Tigers utilized Cain in the pass game last week against Tennessee, he totaled three catches for 30 yards. Keep an eye on John Emery and John Williams as well.