Florida (4-2, 3-1) at Missouri (6-0, 2-0)
Faurot Field
Saturday,October 19th 11:21AM
SEC Network

Well who thought we’d be saying the road to Atlanta in the SEC East is running through Columbia, MO at this point in the season? I will admit that I certainly did not expect this, start but GOD DAMN has it been fun. Anyway, I digress, onto the preview for the game

When the Gators Pass:
To be honest I haven’t seen the new QB Murphy play a ton yet but he looked alright last week against LSU, and has had one of the higher QBR’s since he took over for Jeff Driskell. There is no question that the UF WR’s will have an advantage over our secondary, especially if EJ Gaines is out. The one place the Tigers could gain a major advantage is on the pass rush from our defensive line. Last week LSU’s line had constant pressure and amassed 4 sacks, and this is the same DL that couldn’t get much done against UGA the week before. Lastly the Gators are only 11th in the league at 189 ypg thrown.

OVERALL: Slight Edge MIZZOU

When the Gators Run:
We all heard this week that their starting RB this week for the season to a torn meniscus. But I think in the case of UF they will definitely just follow the next man up adage. The Gators have quite a bit of depth at this position and their QB can move pretty well himself. On the flip side the Missouri defense has been pretty tough this year against the run and it appears the front 7 have been ready all year to attempt to shut down the run.

OVERALL: EVEN

When the Tigers Pass:
I know, I know we lost our man James Franklin this week, but I’m holding out hope that Maty Mauk can live up to his billing and at least be league average this week. Coach Henson did comment this week that Mauk is going to have the full playbook and it will just be adjusted to what he does best, which sounds like a good thing to me. Maty does pull a tough assignment this week though as the UF defense is 7th in the NCAA in total defense. Not only that but the Gator CB’s have been described by some other coaches in the league as “handsy”. We should have faith in our deep and talented WR core this week, and I expect to see DGB targeted much more because I think him and DGB have a very good connection.

OVERALL: Slight Edge MIZZOU (Depending on Mauk)

When the Tigers Run:
The three headed monster of Hansbrough, Josey, and Murphy have been nothing but impressive so far this season. This will be by far their toughest test though against this stout Florida defense. Florida has lost their very good DT in Dominque Easley for the year but it doesn’t appear they have missed a beat since he went out, as Florida still leads the league with the best Rush defense in the league only giving up 83.3 ypg. It’s going to come down to winning in the trenches this week with our OLine if we want to run the ball whatsoever. The running game for both teams will likely be where the game is won or lost this week.

EDGE: Slight Edge Florida

Conclusion: I don’t really want to make a game prediction yet, but this game is setting up to be an ugly slugfest that is won on the offensive and defensive lines. It’s safe to say this is the biggest game in COMO since the 2010 OU game, so get out there early and be loud and raucous for this one. Just a reminder it’s a gold rush game so wear your GOLD!!

Let’s go Tigers, MIZ!