Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week six matchup vs UCF with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to the Gators’ offense vs UCF?
AS: Florida has to give the quarterbacks time to take advantage of UCF’s struggles in the backfield. If given time Florida should be able to throw the ball down the field.
GH: The key for Florida’s offense will be how well they establish a passing game behind an improved offensive line. This team had a full bye week to prepare, and it’s important that this offensive line sets the tone early to set up both the pass and run game. UCF hasn’t looked great on defense as of late and the Gators will need to take advantage in every way they can, and that starts with the offensive line.
NM: Florida is going to need their offensive line to hold up. This offense can get to the next level behind an improved offensive line. Florida’s quarterbacks will need to get the ball out in a timely fashion. UCF only has three sacks on the season, but they have been pressuring QB’s all season long and have the talent to make things happen. UCF’s defensive front has also been effective in stopping the run this year, allowing just 80 rushing yards per game.
What are the keys to the Gators’ defense vs UCF?
AS: They’ve got to win the line of scrimmage and stop the run if they want to win this game. Florida can not let UCF run at will in this game.
GH: The biggest key in the game will be how well Florida’s front four handles UCF’s rushing attack. The Knights currently have one of the best rushing offenses in the country, and it will be critical for the Gators to have success in that area if they want to win on Saturday. The Gators currently rank 109th in the FBS in rushing defense, while the Knights rank 2nd in the FBS in rushing offense.
NM: Florida’s going to have to stop UCF’s rushing attack, which is one of the best in the country. If the Gators can win on 1st and 2nd down, forcing KJ Jefferson to throw the ball, Florida maximizes their chances to win. UCF’s passing offense has not been effective on obvious passing downs.
Which player would you like to receive more snaps in week six?
AS: Kelby Collins, he was really good last year and he needs to play more with the interior defensive line struggling to do anything.
GH: I’m hoping Mizell sees significant playing time if Wilson can’t play on Saturday, but I would like to see LJ McCray try and make a statement for the defensive front this weekend.
NM: Dijon Johnson. Florida needs someone to play alongside Jason Marshall at cornerback and Johnson has been impressive in limited snaps. Johnson has logged 30+ snaps in each of his last three games but needs to be on the field for just about every snap as he’s allowed just two catches for nine yards this season.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Florida needs to get on the board early and keep the crowd in the game. An early start will also help relax the Gators and could force UCF into throwing the ball.
GH: Other than the Mississippi State game, we haven’t really seen this team start out hot and set the tone early. I would like to see that continue Saturday against the Knights as I think it’s going to determine a lot on the outcome of this game. The Swamp needs to be alive on Saturday night.
NM: Florida’s going to have to create takeaways to win on Saturday. UCF is coming off a four turnover game vs Colorado where they were sloppy with the football in the redzone. Someone on Florida’s defense has to make a game changing play.
UCF is currently 2.5-point favorites over Florida. Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have UCF winning 31-17
GH: The Gators just haven’t shown me enough on the defensive front for me to pick them over UCF’s running game and RJ Harvey. I really hope I’m wrong on this one, I have the Knights winning 38-35 in a shootout.
NM: I have UCF winning 31-28.
