The Florida Gators will sport throwback helmets and jerseys during the homecoming matchup vs. Vanderbilt (Photo Credit @GatorsFB)
The Florida Gators, who are coming off a heartbreaking 13-20 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats need to bounce back this weekend in the Swamp.
Quite frankly, it should be very difficult for Florida to not bounce back against a very bad Vanderbilt football team. To put this game into context, the Vanderbilt Commodores struggled to defeat UCONN 30-28, who is widely considered to be the worst team in college football and still does not have a win this season.
On the Florida side, this is the Gators’ annual Homecoming game. And this is a homecoming Game that the Florida Gators should most definitely win. And to add to the festivities, Florida will be rocking a special throwback uniform for the game. Just to switch things up a little bit, instead of belaboring our point and perspective about this game, I want to provide some quick tidbits of the matchup so you are well informed going into the game.
Quick Thoughts
Vanderbilt is BAD – by the numbers.
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- They rank 116th out of 130 teams in run defense (allowing 204.2 yards per game).
- They rank 112th in total defense (giving up 447.2 yards per game).
- They rank 120th in total offense (producing only 315.4 yards per game).
Florida needs to capitalize on such an opponent by scoring a ton of points and not giving up any. Unfortunately, and I hate to say it, but that’s not how Dan Mullen rolls. Remember the 2019 Towson game, anyone? Florida beat arguably the worst opponent on the schedule that year 38-0. Yup. They only scored 38 points on Towson! Dan Mullen hardly ever destroys opponents.
Still, the Florida Gators should be very effective on the ground, and even in a “ho-hum” performance, they should gain at least 300 yards running the ball. I also expect a ton of the younger guys to get playing time including Demarkcus Bowman and Diwun Black.
Players to Watch
Florida Gators:
Emory Jones, QB – 93-135, 871 YDS, 5 TD, 6 INT
Gervon Dexter, DL – 20 TAK, 4 SOLO, 2 SACKS
Vanderbilt Commodores:
Ken Seals, QB – 92-163, 894 YDS, 5 TD, 5 INT
Rocko Griffin, RB – 55 CAR, 215 YDS, 1 TD
Keys to the Game for the Florida Gators
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- Don’t turnover the ball.
- Play Anthony Richardson as much as possible.
- Don’t let Vanderbilt “hang around”.
Keys to the Game for the Vanderbilt Commodores
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- Stop the run.
- Force a TON of turnovers.
- Don’t give up explosive plays.
Final Analysis
The Florida Gators should roll all over Vandy. These two teams don’t recruit from the same galaxy, and I look for the Commodores to struggle big time under first-year head coach Clark Lea. But if you’re expecting fireworks, don’t get your hopes up – it’s a noon game after all! I don’t expect Florida to cover the absurd 39 point spread, even though the ESPN FPI gives the Gators a 99.1% chance to win.
Still, I can comfortably assure you that the homecoming game will go the way of the Florida Gators.
Score Prediction: 37-10 Florida
