Gators seeking redemption against Spencer Rattler
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two years ago a scrawny 6-1 redshirt freshman torched the Florida Gators on National Television in the Cotton Bowl. Spencer Rattler threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score in a dominant 55-20 win over Florida.
Rattler was so good that December night in Arlington, Texas, that he was immediately named a Heisman Contender for the 2021 season. Being Oklahoma’s quarterback meant that Florida was unlikely to get another shot at Rattler.
Then the 2021 season played out. Rattler struggled and was replaced by Caleb Williams. Lincoln Riley would bolt from Norman, Oklahoma for the palm trees and Hollywood lifestyle that USC offered. Williams followed, and Rattler chose a different SC.
Now, this week, the Gators have a rare opportunity at redemption. A shot at an Oklahoma quarterback who embarrassed them in front of a national audience.
“It’s pretty nice to get another shot. We were really joking about that, we never thought we were going to see him again, and he transferred to South Carolina,” senior linebacker Amari Burney said this week. “So we get a chance at him again so I mean we’ve been joking about it, just saying like, we owe him one. So it’s good to have another shot at him.”
Gators looking to stop Rattler on the ground and through the air
Rattler is 21-5 as a starter in his career. He has been inconsistent in 2022 but is coming off his best passing game. In last week’s win over Vanderbilt, Rattler finished 18-of-26 for 200 yards and a season-high three touchdown passes.
He’s also been encouraged to run. This season Rattler is third on the Gamecocks with 49 carries. He’s added two rushing touchdowns to his eight touchdown passes. He’s not an Anthony Richardson type of runner, but can extend plays. That has been a focus this week, keeping Rattler in the pocket and putting pressure on him.
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“For edge players that’s one of our main jobs, containing the quarterback. It’s been a big thing for us, make sure we keep him in the pocket so he can’t scramble,” defensive end Justus Boone said. “If anything, we’ve gotta make sure we’re more precautionary and playing our keys. We’ll be prepared for whatever he tries.”
Boone wasn’t on that team. It may not be personal to him in the way that it will be to Ventrell Miller or Amari Burney, but he takes pride in his job and his team.
When Florida lost to Georgia, first-year coach Billy Napier told his players they needed to win their final five games, which would include a bowl win.
“I’m thankful that we get to see him again,” said Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., who was a freshman in 2020. “He’s a good player. I want to play against a quarterback like that. So, we’ll see.”
This one, for a lot of Gators, is more personal.
