LSU-UF has potential to be program altering for the Gators

On October 3, 2015, we all thought the Florida Gators were back. After a 38-10 thrashing of the Ole Miss Rebels, there was a feel throughout the college football world that UF was back to the glory it was once familiar with on a regular basis. The week leading up to that game felt a lot like this week does. Not only because it’s the same week on the calendar as it was three years ago, but because the Gators have a similar opportunity with #5 LSU coming to The Swamp. However, with Dan Mullen at the helm, it feels like a Gator win would not only signal the return of greatness (again), but that it could be sustained.

A win against #5 LSU this weekend could be the game everyone points to in a three years, if Florida is a national contender again, as the program’s turning point and Mullen’s statement win. It could be a win that would propel this team to national prominence immediately and give the team confidence and belief that they could accomplish big things this season. A win would also have UF primed to head to Jacksonville in three weeks with likely only one loss and a far more interesting showdown against Georgia.

Coming off an emotional 13-6 win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs last Saturday, there is a belief that this Gator football team is not only much improved, but also an actual contender in the SEC East. The young defense is coming into their own and playing much closer to their potential and the offense is finally looking not only competent, but confident and efficient. QB Feleipe Franks is coming off of his best performance in a Gator uniform and has been improving every week. 22-31 for 219 and 1 INT doesn’t scream greatness by any means, but it’s the way he looked and the way he controlled the offense. His decision making, aside from the one interception and maybe two other throws, was flawless. He has looked far more accurate this season as well. The narrative with UF since Tim Tebow left has been “Florida would be a contender every year with slightly above average QB play”, and they are finally getting that.

A victory against #5 LSU wouldn’t be easy by any means, but it isn’t impossible either. After all, UF lost at home last year to the Tigers 17-16 due to incompetent coaching and a missed Eddy Pinero PAT. LSU is much improved from last year, sure, but Ed Orgeron is still their head coach and aside from the addition of Ohio State transfer QB Joe Burrow, there isn’t a whole lot different with the LSU offense. Moreover, LSU doesn’t have a Darius Guice or Leonard Fournette this year at running back, which would give UF’s elite defense a significant advantage and one less thing to worry about. LSU’s defense is similar to MSU’s from last week, however. The Tigers’ defensive line is not as talented as MSU’s, but the physicality is there and the Gators will need another great performance by the offensive line this week. The LSU secondary will be the biggest issue for the Gators. LSU is once again stacked with future NFL stars including a for sure 2019 1st round pick in CB Greedy Williams. They shut down the Ole Miss receivers last week, who are highly regarded as some of the best in the entire nation. It will be the Gators’ biggest test on offense this season.

Personally, I believe UF will win the game. I think the Gators will out coach LSU, The Swamp will be rocking, and the defense will keep UF in the game. The offense will make just enough plays, and the special teams unit will have a few key plays that go in Florida’s favor. I have UF winning 23-20 and moving on to 5-1 and likely being ranked inside the top 15 for the first time in a very long time.