It’s gameday in Gainesville. The Gators will look to get back into the win column Saturday night as they are set to clash with South Florida at 7:30 p.m. Gator Country gives you ten players to look out for in this week three matchup.
1- ANTHONY RICHARDSON
Richardson regressed mightily in week two after his impressive week one performance vs Utah. Richardson has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season, I’m looking for him to find the endzone through the air tonight. It’s important that Napier and his staff gets Richardson’s confidence back in this game. The Gators have to go on the road next week at Tennessee, Richardson will need to be on his A game if the Gators are going to pull off an upset in Knoxville.
2- GERRY BOHANON
The Baylor QB transfer will lead the Bulls Saturday night. Bohanon had a decent season with Baylor a year ago, completing 62.9 percent of his passes for 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added 323 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He’s off to a rough start this season, completing 58.6% for 391 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Bohanon will need to be more than just serviceable if the Bulls want a chance at upsetting the Gators tonight.
3- SCOOBY WILLIAMS
Williams is making his first start in a Gator uniform tonight due to the absence of Ventrell Miller. The highly touted Alabama product played in just four games last year and redshirted. Williams has appeared in both games this season as a reserve linebacker. He assisted on a tackle last week against Kentucky. Napier mentioned when he was looking for a replacement for Ventrell Miller that he wanted someone as vocal as Miller. Williams has serious speed at the LB position, making him a player to watch tonight.
4- BRIAN BATTIE
The USF running back leads the Bulls in rushing with 119 yards, despite having just 10 carries. Battie has also found the endzone twice this season. Battie is a homerun threat for the Bulls, but I do not expect him to lead the USF backfield.
5- SHEMAR JAMES
James isn’t slated to start for the Gators, but with Miller injured, I expect to see him on the field a ton Saturday night. You could see James and Williams on the field at the same time, which should make Florida fans excited about the future of the linebacker room. James has been productive as a true freshman, gathering 11 tackles and two QB hurries through two games.
6- JIMMY HORN
The 2022 Preseason Phil Steele All-AAC fourth team receiver had a productive season as a true freshman. He started five games, finishing 2nd on the team with 30 receptions for 408 yards and one touchdown. He’s an explosive receiver that the Gators need to keep an eye on.
7- TREVOR ETIENNE
The Gators’ freshman running back has 11 broken tackles on 14 carries this season. Averaging 7.9 yards a carry, I want to see Etienne receive a heavier workload against a team that ranks 127th in run defense. Etienne has a chance for his first 100-yard game of his career.
8- XAIVER WEAVER
Weaver has a strong list of preseason and postseason accolades and is undoubtedly USF’s best receiver. He started ten games last season, leading USF with 41 receptions for 715 yard and two touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per catch. The Gators have done a nice job stopping opposing team’s playmakers and will look to continue that tonight.
9- AUSTIN BARBER
Barber is making his first start at RT for the Gators, following the injury to Michael Tarquin. Barber might need to be the Gators starting RT for more than just one week, so he’s on my players to watch list. I want to see Barber be a consistent, dominant force in the run and pass game.
10- MEKHI LAPOINTE
The 5th year DB is the Bulls leader on defense. He has 6 interceptions and 154 tackles in his career. He leads USF in tackles through two games with 14, 12 of them being solo tackles. He has also added an interception to his stat line.