Five USF Bulls to watch against Florida

The No. 18 Florida Gators are heavy favorites (-24.5) against the USF Bulls for Saturday night’s matchup in the Swamp.

However, the Gators are coming off a loss to SEC East division rival Kentucky while the Bulls are coming off their first win of the season.

Here are five players who could help the Bulls play spoiler on Saturday night:

Quarterback Gerry Bohanon

2022 stats: 34-58 (58.6%), 391 passing yards, 0 passing touchdowns, two interceptions, six rushes, 37 rushing yards

The stats may not be the most impressive, but Bohanon gives the Bulls their best shot to beat the Gators. He’s been in big games before as he started his career at Baylor, where he helped lead the Bears to a Big 12 Championship just a season ago. If he’s on his game, he can beat UF with his arm and legs. The Gators will have to step up and finally get some pressure on the quarterback this weekend.

Running back Brian Battie

2022 stats: 10 rushes, 119 yards, two rushing touchdowns, two catches, 10 receiving yards

Battie may not be the Bulls’ No. 1 back, but he’s explosive. Like Florida, USF’s running back situation is by committee, and Battie is currently on top of that committee with the numbers he’s put up through two games. With that, Battie and the other Bulls running backs will have fresh legs for a good part of the night. The Florida front seven will have to keep Battie contained, or he’s going to rip off a big one on Saturday night.

Wide receiver Xavier Weaver

2022 stats: 12 receptions, 170 yards

In 2021, Weaver exploded onto the scene for USF, and he’s continued to play at a high level so far this season. Florida’s top corner Jason Marshall will face Weaver plenty on Saturday night, which will be a challenge for both parties. Weaver is going to be a receiver that Bohanon depends on throughout the night, and if the Gators are able to slow him down, USF will struggle to move the ball down the field.

Safety Mekhi LaPointe

2022 stats: 14 total tackles, one interception

The Bulls will rely on LaPointe to slow down the Florida passing attack over top. The Gators seriously struggled throwing the ball against Kentucky. That gave the USF plenty to work with defensively when it comes to making Florida one dimensional. LaPointe is a veteran player who has won before with the Bulls and is not scared to jump a route while keeping a close eye on an opposing quarterback’s eyes. UF quarterback Anthony Richardson will have to keep his eyes open downfield for LaPointe on Saturday night.

Defensive End Jatorian Hansford

2022 stats: Five total tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles

One player who might have a chip on his shoulder is Hansford, a transfer from Missouri. He’s already 2-2 against the Gators and is looking for another win. USF head coach Jeff Scott and company stocked up the Bulls front seven this offseason in the transfer portal with Hansford at the forefront. USF is going to have to slow the Florida rushing attack to pull the upset. Keeping Richardson unsettled throwing the ball on Saturday night is also a key to victory for the Bulls. Hansford is quick off the ball wherever he lines up and can certainly make an impact on this one if the Florida offensive line doesn’t take care of him.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.