1) Florida will accrue at least 450 yards of offense. I’m trying hard to believe that this is because the Gators’ offense is coming together at the perfect time. But regardless, FAU’s defense is giving up 428 yards a game- and that’s in Conference USA.
2) Florida will score a touchdown on its first offensive possession. For pretty much the same reason above. The Gators have scored a TD on their opening possession only once this year, but few defenses are as bad as FAU’s and it’s time Florida jumped on somebody really early.
3) Florida’s defense will record at least three turnovers. FAU’s offensive line hasn’t faced a front seven like the one they’ll see tomorrow- even without several starters. QB Jaquez Johnson won’t know what to do under the heavy pressure, and the turnovers will come naturally.
4) FAU won’t score a touchdown. Johnson gives FAU a somewhat respectable dual threat option at quarterback, but with a nicked up starting running back in Jay Warren, I just can’t foresee any success beyond maybe a busted assignment or two. The Owls’ offense has gone five straight games without generation 20 points and now they face the best defense they’ll play all year. Good luck.
5) A Florida tight end will catch a touchdown pass. Jim McElwain loves utilizing his tight ends, particularly in the red zone. Against one of the worst pass defenses in the nation, it’s not such a stretch to think the natural mismatch of Jake McGee/C’yontai Lewis/DeAndre Goolsby will work for a touchdown, is it?
6) At least three different Gators will score a rushing touchdown. Why not? Jim McElwain proved against New Mexico State that he’s a touchdown Communist. He loves spreading the wealth. My guesses are Treon Harris, Kelvin Taylor and Jordan Scarlett.
7) FAU will gain less than 150 yards. For pretty much the same reason as in prediction #4.
8) Treon Harris will complete at least two thirds of his passes. When operating solely from the pocket, Harris is actually pretty effective. He doesn’t have to think much and doesn’t have to do much, and thus doesn’t get overwhelmed and can run an offense smoothly. By throwing to receivers running simple slant and crossing patterns, Harris should finish with a pretty high completion percentage.
9) Florida will score a touchdown on defense or special teams. Whether it’s a scoop and score, pick six or a punt return TD by Antonio Callaway, I’m positive the Gators will get what Gary Danielson calls a NOT- a non-offensive touchdown.
10) Florida puts the game away by halftime, and covers the 31 point spread. The Gators don’t have an FCS opponent on their schedule this year, but a 2-8 FAU team that’s in the bottom third of FBS in most statistical categories will have to suffice for their annual pre-FSU sacrificial lamb.
Projection: Florida 59, Florida Atlantic 6
