The University of Florida Gators will travel to Death Valley to take on the No. 3 Louisiana State University Tigers this weekend. Florida is coming off a devastating upset loss to No. 18 USF last weekend, and will look to rebound against the third-ranked Tigers. LSU has enjoyed a ranked win over No. 8 Clemson and took care of business last week in a 23-7 victory over Louisiana Tech.
Florida
The Gators begin a brutal stretch where eight of their final 10 games will be against ranked opponents. Last week’s loss to South Florida dropped Florida out of the Top 25, erasing any margin for error the rest of the way.
Quarterback DJ Lagway has struggled to get back to his usual self after an injury-riddled offseason that has contributed to Florida’s slow start. However, despite the struggles he is still completing 74% of his passes for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns, but his misses are what has stood out.
As Lagway tries to get back on track, Jaden Baugh has been the constant in this Florida offense averaging over 7 yards per carry on nearly 200 rushing yards over his first two games. His running mate Ja’Kobi Jackson hasn’t shared in his success as like the rest of the Florida offense, he is off too a slow start.
Florida’s defense has been a strong point, but the group has had some discipline issues as they committed several drive-extending penalties in the loss last week, including two 15-yard penalties on what ended up being the game-winning drive for the Bulls. The Gators’ defense has still given up just 9 points per game, but with the schedule toughening it will take better play to maintain those numbers.
Florida’s defense will get help in a big way this weekend with 6’5 330 pound defensive lineman Caleb Banks slated to make his season debut. He should sure up what figures to be an elite defensive front for the remainder of the year.
LSU
The Tigers matchup with Florida will be on of their toughest matchups of the season as they rolled a favorable SEC schedule this year and doesn’t face close to the amount of grueling competition that their counterparts face. Only 5 of their remaining 10 games are against ranked competition, so a win against a desperate Florida team will set them up nicely for the stretch run of the season.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returned with hopes of competing for a National Championship this season, but like Lagway, has had a slow start. Nussmeier has completed 68% of his passes for 469 yards but just 2 touchdowns.
The LSU offense is only averaging 20 points per game albeit they did face a top defense in Clemson early in the season. The Tigers will look to get Nussmeier going along with running Caden Durham. Durham is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry to start the year and his running mate Harlem Berry has actually outperformed him in his limited runs.
The Tigers strength has been their defense as they have given up just 17 points through their first two games. Linebacker Harold Perkins is the groups’ leader and has played an integral role in the much improved LSU defense.
Matchup Breakdown
From a talent standpoint, these are two high-powered SEC schools that have recruited well and are loaded with talent from top to bottom. Games like this come down to execution, and for the Gators it depends on what team we see. The team that played LIU two weeks ago played clean, penalty-free football while limiting mistakes. Last week, we saw an undisciplined football team that beat themselves.
For the Tigers, this Gator team will present a much bigger challenge then Louisiana Tech did last week. A game where the LSU didn’t play close to their full potential.
Both these teams will look to establish the run early and often between their two bell-cow backs Jaden Baugh and Caden Durham. Baugh will look to continue his success on the ground, while Durham will look to get his season back on track.
This matchup will come down to quarterback play. Lagway has potential that is through the roof, but has yet to realize it yet early on in his college career. Nussmeier, a more experienced quarterback has also had his fair share of struggles to start the season.
X Factors
DJ Lagway: Despite Baugh’s success, Lagway is the force that this Gator offense is centered around. His ability to make any throw on the field and be mobile when needed is what has made Gator fans so excited for his future at Florida.
Caden Durham: Durham has struggled at the start of the season but will look to get on track against the Gators. The Gators run defense has been strong to begin the year, but Durham will be the biggest test they’ve had. If he can get going it could be a long night for the Gators.
Death Valley: One of the hardest places to play in the country. Florida has had the benefit of the Swamp to open the season and this is a brutal place to start road play. A night game in Death Valley requires ultimate focus which Florida will have to bring.
Prediction
These two teams are about as evenly matched as it comes from a skill standpoint. Florida got the best of LSU last year in the Swamp with a team many felt was inferior. The Tigers will be looking to get revenge but Florida will be looking to save its season.
Final Score Prediction: Florida 24, LSU 13
The University of Florida Gators take on the Louisiana State Tigers on Saturday Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. EST at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game can be watched on ABC.
