PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Joe Burrow is coming off a break-out performance as a dual threat. It will be difficult for him to duplicate the running and passing success that he had against Ole Miss when he faces the Gators’ more formidable defense. But if he can contribute consistent yardage on the ground it will help open holes for Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. And if multiple runners can have success that will open things up in the passing game for Burrow, who has yet to throw an interception in five games.
–WR Justin Jefferson has been the closest thing to a go-to receiver for Burrow. A half-dozen Tigers have taken turns making big plays, but Jefferson has had a couple of big games and is coming off his biggest last week when he had five catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
–S Grant Delpit is quickly joining CB Greedy Williams to form an All-American caliber tandem in the secondary. Delpit’s versatility has made him one of the leaders of the defense as a sophomore. He has made tackles in the running game, provided a pass rush on the blitz and has matched Williams with two interceptions, including one last week. These are the teams with the two best turnover margins in the SEC, so if either one comes out ahead in that area it could make the difference, and Delpit is one of the Tigers most capable of creating a turnover.
–PK Cole Tracy has missed two field goals in the last three weeks, but he’s still one of the most reliable kickers in the country. Both misses were from beyond 50 yards and he has been perfect on his other 10 kicks. This could be a low-scoring tight game in which place-kicking plays a significant role and Tracy gives the Tigers confidence that they can win such a game.
SERIES HISTORY: Florida leads LSU 32-29-3, but the Tigers won last year’s meeting, 17-16, in Gainesville. These teams are playing at Florida for a second consecutive season to balance consecutive games in Baton Rouge in 2015-16 after the threat from Hurricane Matthew forced the 2016 game to be moved from The Swamp to Tiger Stadium. The Tigers have won two straight in Gainesville, having also prevailed, 30-27, in 2014.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I just need to see him in a stance, that would be good enough for me.” — LSU coach Ed Orgeron, joking about what he needs to see from injured T Saahdiq Charles in order to be convinced he’s ready to play.
