Gators Online Gameday predictions: Florida vs. Missouri

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators haven’t won an SEC game since beating Vanderbilt on October 9, 2021. That’s a streak of six-consecutive losses inside the conference, the second-longest streak since the end of World War II when Florida lost 11-straight conference games from 1945-1947.

This is a huge game and a weird series. Florida and Missouri have had some head-scratchers. All but two of the 10 games as conference foes have been decided by double-digits. The two close games were a 14-7 Florida win in 2012 and Missouri’s 24-23 overtime win in 2021. Neither team has won more than two games in a row in the series, which spans 11 games dating back to 1966.

Here are our predictions from the Gators Online staff.

Gators Online predicts the game

Zach Abolverdi: Judging by last year’s result and how the Tigers have played in their first two SEC games, this could be a competitive matchup. Despite the Gators being favored by double digits Saturday, Missouri has seemingly had their number in recent years and spoiled Florida’s homecoming games in 2014 and 2018.

While UF has some concerns on defense, the offense has been humming the past two weeks behind the performance of quarterback Anthony Richardson. He’s thrown for 693 yards in his last seven quarters and Florida’s receivers have stepped up. That should success continue against the Tigers, who’ve been solid defensively. But they won’t score enough points in The Swamp to beat the Gators.

Florida, 34-24.

Corey Bender: Anthony Richardson manufactured a high-quality performance in Knoxville, and although last week’s opponent was Eastern Washington, he showed impressive touch downfield and will enter Saturday’s contest with much-needed confidence. If not, the Gators have a stable of running backs they can rely on to help Richardson settle in. The offensive line has been more than reliable as well.

The Tigers have been competitive and nearly took out then No. 1-ranked Georgia, and their overtime loss to Auburn came down to the final play. However, I think the Gators record just enough stops to slip past Missouri.

Florida, 28-20.

Nick de la Torre: The Gators’ defense has been a disappointment over the last month. The bend but don’t break style worked against Utah but the defense broke at home against Kentucky and on the road at Tennessee. Currently, Florida’s defense is 11th in the SEC giving up 27 points a game. Fortunately, Missouri’s defense hasn’t been much better allowing 24.8 points a game.

The difference this week isn’t new. The Gators’ offense will go as Anthony Richardson does. He was sensational against Utah and Eastern Washington. Even in a loss, he was great on the road against Tennessee. The last two weeks should have gone a long way toward helping Richardson regain his confidence. He should be able to lead Florida to its first SEC win since UF beat Vanderbilt on October 9, 2021.

Florida, 31-20.

Pat O’Donnell: There’s no question the Tigers turned heads competing with Georgia for four quarters last Saturday. UF head coach Billy Napier and his team need this win as they get set to play the toughest part of their schedule. It just feels like this one will be close, but the Gators will come on out on top. Expect a lot of bend don’t break from the Florida defense. Meanwhile, UF quarterback Anthony Richardson will find success with his arm and legs to improve to 4-2.

Florida, 31-23.

Donavon Keiser: After an all-out effort against Georgia, Mizzou comes out flat and the Gators jump out to an early lead behind a red-hot offense. Despite recent struggles, Florida’s defense limits Missouri’s offense. The Gators get an early lead and keep it at a distance until the clock hits triple zeros. 

Florida, 38-24.

Tracking our picks

Writer	Overall record	Utah	Kentucky	USF	Tennesee	EWU
Bender	4-1	Florida ✅	Florida ❌	Florida ✅	Tennessee ✅	Florida ✅
Abolverdi	3-2	Utah ❌	Florida ❌	Florida ✅	Tennessee ✅	Florida ✅
O’Donnell	3-2	Florida ✅	Florida ❌	Florida ✅	Florida ❌	Florida ✅
de la Torre	2-3	Utah ❌	Florida ❌	Florida ✅	Florida ❌	Florida ✅
Keiser	2-3	Utah ❌	Florida ❌	Florida ✅	Florida ❌	Florida ✅