Editor’s note: Each week, staff members here will offer a fearless prediction regarding the Gators’ upcoming game. Our wide receiver Dugan Arnett is out of play this weekend – a buddy who is obviously not a Gator is getting married. But the Duganator will be back next week. Tonight’s game against unbeaten Louisiana State could reveal the answers to some lingering questions that were evident before last week’s 31-6 loss at Alabama. So without further ado, here are this week’s predictions:
BUDDY MARTIN
“Bumps and bruises aside, Florida’s offense rejuvenates itself and behind a big day for QBs/Wildcatters John Brantley, Trey Burton and Jordan Reed, Gators roll up on LSU 27-14. Brantley throws TD passes to Deonte Thompson and Omarius Hines. Meanwhile, Will Hill finally finds his groove and Duke Lemmens and Jon Bostic get two sacks each as Florida goes 5-1 and moves back into Top Ten.
JOHN FINERAN
Tonight’s showdown in the Swamp turns into a defensive battle. LSU running back Stevan Ridley seems to be wearing Jonathan Bostic on his uniform everywhere he goes, which isn’t far. Duke Lemmens and Justin Trattou manage to blow up the LSU option game directed by Jordan Jefferson and Ahmad Black has a pair of interceptions thrown by Jarrett Lee. Late in the third quarter, Deonte Thompson gets free behind the LSU secondary and John Brantley’s pass is right on the money but … this time Thompson holds onto the ball and scores the game’s only touchdown. LSU kicks four field goals but Florida gets three from Chas Henry and with Thompson’s touchdown wins 16-12.
JOHN PATTON
These two teams couldn’t be coming off more different weeks. Florida is looking to recapture its manhood after being beaten down at Alabama, while LSU is thankful for second chances following its bizarre victory against Tennessee. The easy thought is that the Gators will come in a bit down, while the Tigers will be on a high. Well, both offenses will start slow, and UF will take a 13-3 lead into the locker room. This game will be one that magnifies the offensive deficiencies LSU has, and Florida’s offense will begin clicking in the second half en route to a 34-13 victory. Will Hill will rebound from a tough night in Tuscaloosa to lead the way with six tackles, a sack and an interception.
DEREK TYSON
Carl Moore, who has played well this year, will have a breakout game. Moore will finish with seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. I expect all-everything corner Patrick Peterson to cover Deonte Thompson most of the game so this should open up things for Moore to have a career game. I think Florida will win the game in a low scoring contest. 17-10 Gators.
TIM CASEY
Florida will grind it out on the ground and chew the clock with Trey Burton and Jordan Reed taking direct snaps as John Brantley was very limited in practice all week. Mack Brown will get at least five carries, Andre Debose will touch the ball 10 times and Chas Henry will kick three field goals. Florida will win 23-3, scoring 10 points more than last year’s win in Baton Rouge. LSU will mismanage the clock before halftime and blow an opportunity to tie the game at 10-10.