It’s gameday. The Florida Gators are set to clash with the Vanderbilt Commodores at noon eastern on SEC Network. Billy Napier and the Gators are looking to finish the 2022 season on a strong note but must get through a Vanderbilt team that pulled off a big upset victory over the No.24 ranked Kentucky Wildcats a week ago.
Gator Country provides ten players to look out for in Florida’s week 12 road matchup.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON QB #15
Road Richardson is back in action in week 12. This matchup is extremely favorable for Richardson as Vandy ranks 130th in the FBS in passing defense, giving up 293 passing yards per game. Richardson should be able to get the job done in a variety of ways on Saturday afternoon.
WILL SHEPPARD WR #14
Vanderbilt’s WR1 is certainly a player to watch in this matchup. The Louisiana product brings above average height, length, and speed to the table for the Commodores. Vandy QB’s target Sheppard VERY often as he leads the SEC in targets with 99 on the season. His target percentage of 35% ranks first in the SEC. His 708 yards ranks 2nd in the SEC behind Tennessee’s Jaylin Hyatt. Florida’s defensive backs will need to keep a close eye on Will Sheppard for 60 minutes.
TREVOR ETIENNE RB #7
The freshman running back has been difficult to bring down this season, ranking 4th in the SEC in average yards after contact and 3rd in the SEC in broken tackle rate amongst running backs. Vanderbilt’s tackling grade ranks 118th in the FBS, according to PFF. I expect Etienne to contribute heavily to Florida’s rushing attack.
RAY DAVIS RB #2
Vanderbilt’s RB1 will get his fair share of touches Saturday afternoon. He’s totaled over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns this season out of the Commodores backfield.
JUSTIN SHORTER WR #4
Florida’s best deep ball threat is back and healthy for week 12. Shorter has excelled in one-on-one coverage this season and I expect that trend to continue against the Commodores. If the Gators’ running game is working early on, that will open up the field for Shorter to beat his man deep.
ANFERNEE ORJI LB #0
The senior linebacker is Vandy’s best defensive player and an NFL talent. He leads the Commodores in tackles with 93 (46 solo). He has a sack, interception, forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries on the stat sheet this season. He will be all over the field trying to slow down Florida’s elite rushing attack.
JONOTHAN ODOM TE #87
Odom saw an uptick in playing time a week ago and didn’t disappoint, catching his first career touchdown in the contest. Odom may not have the receiving upside the Gators desire, but he is the most complete tight end the Gators have that’s healthy and available to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if Odom leads the TE unit in snaps for the remainder of the season.
DE’RICKEY WRIGHT LB #3
Wright has excelled in coverage at the linebacker position, intercepting three passes this season and adding five pass deflections to the stat sheet. He’s also 3rd on the team in tackles with 46 (29 solo).
MIGUEL MITCHELL DB #10
Mitchell is coming off his first start of his Gators career and I expect to see him frequently against the Commodores in week 12. I think he offers more upside and versatility than many of the players in front of him on the depth chart.
MIKE WRIGHT QB #5
It’s still unclear whether Mike Wright or AJ Swann will get the nod at QB on Saturday afternoon. Wright is coming off a big performance and win over Kentucky a week ago. Wright is much more of a running threat than a passing threat. He’s 6-4, 195 pounds and can fly on the football field. He’s got elite speed and moves very well in open space. Florida needs to contain him and make him beat you through the air.
If AJ Swann starts, Florida won’t have to worry about the rushing threat at the QB position, but he offers more upside for the passing attack.
QUICK NOTE
When Etienne and Richardson surpass 600 rushing yards, the trio of Etienne (577), Richardson (588), and Johnson (710) will become the third trio in UF history to eclipse 600 rush yards apiece (1984- Anderson, Williams, Hampton / 2008- Tebow, Harvin, Rainey, Demps). No UF trio has ever eclipsed 700 rushing yards apiece.