It’s gameday in Gainesville. The Gators and Tigers are looking for their first SEC win of the 2022 season. Gator Country provides you ten players to look out for in this week six matchup.
VENTRELL MILLER #51
The Gators’ front seven is the key to victory in week six. Ventrell Miller is the leader of this defense, making players around him better. Despite battling an injury, Miller has collected 29 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery this season. Missouri will try and run the football on the Gators; Miller is tasked with limiting the Tigers production on the ground. Miller is as healthy as you can be to this point in the season, making him a player to watch against the Tigers.
BRADY COOK #12
Brady Cook hasn’t exactly been a dominant QB for the Tigers, but he’s still a player to keep an eye on. Cook has completed 63.1% of his passes for 997 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions this season. Cook can beat you on the ground if you let him, rushing 40 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns on the year. The Gators will look to make Cook uncomfortable in the pocket on Saturday. Eliminating the run would be a good start in doing so.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON #15
The Gators will go as far as Richardson takes them. Richardson needs to be a rushing threat in this matchup. I think you’ll see Richardson air it out to start the game, opening up the run game for Richardson and the Gators backfield. Missouri is going to try and key in on the run game, forcing Richardson to make throws downfield.
CODY SCHRADER #20
Cody Schrader has been a pleasant surprise for this Missouri Tigers backfield. He previously played at Truman State, where he claimed the 2021 Co-GLVC offensive player of the year. He was also a unanimous All-GLVC first team selection. He led division two football with 2,074 yards on 300 carries in a single season. That’s 6.9 yards per carry on 300 attempts. Schrader has produced in the SEC as well, totaling 261 yards and three scores on 46 attempts. You’ll see Schrader and Stanford transfer Nathaniel Peat lead the Tigers backfield on Saturday.
JUSTIN SHORTER #4
Shorter is the third best receiver in the country against single coverage, according to PFF. Shorter is coming off two straight impressive performances and has been the guy the Gators look to when throwing downfield. Shorter’s big frame and speed makes him difficult to defend downfield. Shorter is averaging 22.4 yards per catch this season. I’m looking for the Gators leading receiver to keep his momentum on Saturday.
DOMINIC LOVETT #7
Lovett is Missouri’s best weapon. He’s totaled 27 receptions for 460 yards, which leads the SEC. Lovett is questionable for the game today; I’m told he’s a game time decision. Florida has done a good job this season of limiting opposing team’s best receivers; Gators’ defensive backs will have their hands full with Lovett.
CHRIS MCCLELLAN #7
McClellan has seen an uptick in numbers in recent weeks. I’m expecting to see McClellan a decent amount against Missouri. McClellan has looked like the best defensive tackle in the room at times, making him a player to watch in week six. McClellan has 8 tackles, 0.5 TFL, and a fumble recovery this season.
TY’RON HOPPER #8
The Gators transfer has found a new home in Columbia. He’s visiting Gainesville for the first time since his departure. Hopper has been Missouri’s best defensive player this season. His athleticism and versatility allow him to defend the run and pass effectively. You are going to see Hopper all over the field on Saturday.
RICKY PEARSALL #1
The Gators got creative with Pearsall last week, giving him the football on a reserve that went for 76 yards and a touchdown. Pearsall is Florida’s best route runner; I’m looking for Pearsall to find open space. If the Gators call any WR screens, I want them to be called for Pearsall.
ISAIAH MCGUIRE #9
Missouri has a veteran defensive line, Mcguire is a big part of that. Mcguire has two sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. Missouri’s defensive line has height and length. They are looking to be disruptive in the pass game and limit the Gators on the ground.