Know your Foe: Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators
To help preview the matchup between the No. 5 Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators, Gators Online senior writer Zach Abolverdi answered five pressing questions ahead of the first matchup between the programs since before World War II.
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Texas continues a very difficult SEC stretch for the Gators and stands as the only conference road game remaining. What would a win mean for Billy Napier‘s program?
ZA: An upset Saturday would not only be the biggest win of Napier’s career, but Florida’s best road win as a program since beating No. 4 LSU at Death Valley in 2009. Napier is 0-4 at UF against top-five teams. A victory over the Longhorns gives Napier the signature win that he needs and would also help validate the announcement Thursday from UF athletic director Scott Stricklin that Napier will be back next season.
Lots of questions about DJ Lagway. What’s the latest on him and what can Texas fans expect at QB?
ZA: As of Friday, Lagway is expected to be a game-time decision. He missed two days this week with a hamstring injury but returned to the practice field Wednesday and has been listed as questionable. Lagway will try to give it a go in pregame warmups, but Florida’s offense is going to be limited with him behind center or Aidan Warner making his first start. Either scenario will be a tall task against this Texas defense.
Lots of injuries recently for the Gators. Who is expected to return this week that Texas fans should watch out for?
ZA: In addition to Lagway, starting defensive back Dijon Johnson and running back Montrell Johnson Jr. were listed as questionable. Worse for the Gators is starting right guard Damieon George Jr. and starting wideout Elijhah Badger were listed as out on Friday night. Nose tackle Cam Jackson was not on the Friday night injury report after he was questionable earlier in the week, so there was a sliver of good news for the Gators. He played against Georgia last week. All that said, the Gators are missing some starters from an already banged-up team.
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Steve Sarkisian and other Longhorn players have praised the Florida defense. What’s their strength and who are some players to watch?
The unit turned a corner during the first bye week and has played very well over the past month. UF is up from seven takeaways last fall to 12 already this season, including nine interceptions and three picks in each of the last two games. The defense gave up 499 yards per game against the first three FBS opponents but has allowed 337.2 YPG in the last four games. Florida’s top players on defense are linebacker Grayson Howard, EDGE Tyreak Sapp and defensive back Aaron Gates.
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If you’d like to offer a score prediction for Saturday’s game…
I picked Texas 30-17. Florida’s defense has been playing better in recent weeks and I think the Gators will cover, but their injuries are too much to overcome, particularly at cornerback and the offensive skill positions. UF will be down double-digit starters.
